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DOCUMENT:? 
 
 LAID BEFOBE THE 
 
 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF LOWE.K^ Q A N v?^ ^ '^^ 
 
 ON THE PVRT 01' THE 
 
 i^rttt^lb ^omtmmntf 
 
 In 1831 AND 1832 
 
 ^} 
 
 >}^ 
 
 c • 
 
 ANSWER TO THE COMPLAINTS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 >J, 
 
 
 i ^v »s*»*M ji^V Extracted from the Journals of the Assembly.) 
 
 PIECES 
 
 MIsteS DEVANT 
 
 LA CHAMBRE D'ASSEMBLEE DU BAS-CANADA, 
 
 DE LA PART DU 
 
 GOUVERNEMENT ANGLAIS, 
 
 En 1831 ET 1832, 
 EN REPONSE AUX PLAINTES DE LA CHAMBRE. 
 
 CExtraitet des Joumaux de la Chambre.) 
 
 • ia 
 
EXTRACT 
 
 FROM TUB 
 
 JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, 
 
 \&h November, ia31. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Craig, Civil Secretary to His Excellency 
 the Governor in Cliief, was admitttjd within the Bar, arid deliv- 
 ered to Mr. Speaker a Message from His Excellency the 
 Governor in Chief, signed by His Excellency, 
 
 And then he withdrew. ^ 
 
 And the said Message was read by Mr. Speaker, all the 
 Members of the House l)eing uncovered ; and is as foUoweth : — 
 
 Aylmer, Governor in Chief. 
 
 The Governor in Chief, in pursuance of orders from His 
 Majesty's Goverument which have been communicated to him, 
 transmits to the House of Assembly, coipy of a Despatch^ dated 
 the 7th of July last, addressed to His Excellency by Viscount 
 Goderich, His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the 
 Colonial Department, having reference to the Petition of the 
 House of Assembly touching certain matters of complaint, 
 addressed to ,the King, and transmitted during the last Session 
 of the Provincial Parliament, at their desire, by the Governor 
 in Chief to Viscount Goderich, for the purpose of being laid at 
 the foot of the Throne. In this communication, which is copied 
 word for word from the original Despatch, the House of Assem- 
 bly will not fail to trace the paternal feelings of Hi* Majesty 
 towards his faithful Canadian Subjects, and His anxiety to com- 
 ply with all their reasonable desires. 
 
 Castlo of Saint Lewis, 
 18th November, 1801. 
 
 / •/ 
 
■oJ ,vti;*'. A> 
 
 EXTRAIT 
 
 < 5 )»(•■*« -' •"> 
 
 DV 
 
 JOURNAL DE LA CHAMBRE D'ASSEMBL^E, 
 
 fj 
 
 Dm 18 Novembre, 1831. 
 
 :'-v'»i 
 
 Le Lieatenant-Colonel Craig, Secretaire Civil de Son Ex- 
 cellence le Oouverneur-en-Chef, a 6t6 admis en dedans . de la 
 Barre, et a remis a M. I'Orateur, un Message de Son Excel- 
 lence le Oouverneur-en-Chef, sign^ de Son Excellence, 
 ; Et ensnite il s'est retir^. 
 
 Et le dit Message a 6t6 lu par M. I'Orateur, tons les Mem- 
 bres de la Chambre ^tant d^couverts, et il est comme suit : — 
 
 Aylmer, Oouverneur-en-Chef. 
 
 .*in 
 
 t Le Gouverneur-en-Chef, en obeissance aux Ordres dn Gou- 
 vernement de Sa Majestd qoi lui ont 6t6 communiques, tmnsmet 
 a la Chambre d'Assembiee, copie d'une Dep^che, en date du 
 sept de Juillet dernier, adress^e a Sun Excellence par le Vi- 
 comte Goderich, Principal Secretaire d'Etatde Sa Majesty pour 
 k Departement Colonial, ayant rapport a la Petition de la 
 Chambre d'Assembiee toucbant certains sujets de plaintes, au 
 Roi, et tnmsmis pendant la demiSre Session du Parlement Pro- 
 Tincial, selon son desir, par le Gouverneur-en-^Chef au VicOmte 
 Godericb, pour Stre raise au pied du Trone. Dans cette com- 
 munication qui est copiee mot pour mot de la Depeche origrinale, 
 la Chambre d'Assembiee ne manquera pas de deconyrir les sen- 
 timens paternels de Sa Majeste envers ses fiddles Sujets Cana- 
 diens et son empressement a se oonformer a ieurs justes desirs. 
 
 CbSteau Saint Louis, 
 18 Novembre 1831. 
 
 
 tm ' 
 
# 
 
 • ■ 
 
 (Copy)— No. 51. 
 
 Downing Street 7th July, 1831. 
 My Lord, 
 
 I have received and have laid before ^he Kin^, Your 
 Lordship's Despatches of the dth, 6th and 7th April last, — 
 Nos. 24, 25 and 26. 
 
 Your Lordship's assurance of the favorable change in the 
 general disposition of the House of Assembly of Lower Canada 
 towards the close of their last Session, and your report of the 
 warm attachment borne by the people at large to His Majesty's 
 person and Government, and to the Constitution under which 
 they live, have been received by His Majesty with lively satis- 
 faction. 
 
 The King has been also graciously pleased to express his 
 approbation of the effitrts made by Your Lord«hip, to ascertain 
 with precision the full extent of the grievances of which the 
 Assembly consider themselves entitled to com])lain : and assum- 
 ing, in concurrence with Your Lordship, that the Address of the 
 Assembly contains a full developement of those grievances, the 
 exposition which is to be there found of the views of that body, 
 justifies the satisfactory inference, that there remains scarcely 
 any question upon which the wishes of that Branch of the 
 Legislature are at variance with the policy which His Majesty 
 has been advised to pursue, and I therefore gladly anticipate 
 the speedy and effectual termination of those differences which 
 have heretofore so much embarrassed the operations of the local 
 Government. 
 
 No office can be more grateful to the King than that of 
 yielding to the reasonable desires of the Representative Body 
 of Lower Canada, and whilst His Majesty's Servants have the 
 satisfaction of feeling that upon some of the most important 
 topics referred to in the Address of the Assembly, its wishes 
 have been anticipated, they trust that the instructions which I 
 am now about to convey to you, will still further evince their 
 earnest desire to combine with the due and lawful exercise of 
 the Constitutional authority of the Crown, an anxious solicitude 
 for the well-being of all classes of His faithful Subjects in the 
 Province. 
 
 I proceed to notice the various topics embraced in the Address 
 of the Assembly to the King : — 
 
 I shall observe the order which they have followed, and with a 
 view to perspicuity, I shall preface each successive instruction 
 which I have His Majesty's commands to convey to Your 
 Lordship, by the quotation of the statements made upon the 
 same topic by the Assembly themselves. 
 
 First : It is represented that the progress which has been 
 
been 
 
 #5 (Copic) — No. 51. .i 
 
 Downing Street^ 7 Juillet, 1831. 
 Milord, 
 
 J'ai re^u et mis devant le Roi les Dcpeches de votre 
 Sei^neurie du cinquieme, sixieme et septieme Avril dernier, 
 Numeros vingt-quatre, vingt-cinq et vingt-six. 
 
 C'est avec une vive satisfaction que iSa Majesty a re9u de 
 votre Seigneurie I'assuranee du cliangement favorable qui s'^tait 
 opere dans la disposition generate de la Chambre d'Assemblde 
 du Bus-Canada vers la fin de sa derniere Session, et le rapport 
 que vous faites du vif attachemeht que le peuple entier a pour 
 la personne et le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste. 
 
 II a aussi gracieusement plu au Roi d'exprimer son approba- 
 tion des efforts que Votre Seigneurie a faits, pour constater avec 
 precision toute I'etendue des griefs dont I'Assemblde croit avoir 
 droit de se plaindre : et supposant, de concert avec Votre Seig** 
 neurie, que I'adresse de I'Assemblee presente I'entier ddveloppe- 
 ment de ces griefs, I'expose qu'on y trouve des vues de ce corps, 
 permet de faire Tinduction satisfaisante, qu'il reste a peine une 
 seule question sur laquelle les desirs de cette Branche de la 
 Legislature, ne soient pas en harmonie avec la politique que Sa 
 Majeste a ete avisee de suivre, et cela me donne la flatteuse es- 
 perance de I'ajustement prompte et efficace de ces difficultes qui 
 out si fortement embarrasse les operations du Gouvernement 
 local. 
 
 Rien ne pent etre plus agr^^able au Roi que de se rendre aux 
 desirs raisonnables du corps Repr^sentatif du Bas-Canada, et 
 lorsque les Serviteurs de Sa Majeste ont la satisfaction de sen- 
 tir, que sur quelques-uns des points les plus importans men- 
 tionncs dans I'adresse de I'Assemblee, ses desirs ont et^ anticipes, 
 ils se flattent que les instructions que je vais maintenant vous 
 donner feront ^clater encore davantage le d^sir ardent qu'ils ont 
 d'allier a I'exercice convenable et legitime de I'autorite Consti- 
 tutionuelle de la Couronne, une vive soUicitude pour le bien- 
 etre de toutes les classes de ses iideles Sujets de la Province. 
 
 Je vais proc^der a passer en revue les divers points contenus 
 dans I'adresse de I'Assemblee au Roi : — 
 
 J'observerai I'ordre quelle a suivi, et pour etre plus clair, je 
 ferai preceder chaque Instruction successive que j'ai ordre de Sa 
 Majesty de donner a Votre Seigneurie, d'une citation de I'expose 
 que la Chambre d'Assemblee elle-meme a fait sur cbaque 
 point. 
 ; Premierement :— On represente que les progres de I'^duca- 
 
 ■i 
 
p 
 
 6 
 
 made in the education of the people of the Province under the 
 encouragement afforded by the recent Acts of the Legislature, 
 has been greatly impeded by the diversion of the Revenues of 
 the Jesuits' Estates originally destined for this purpose. 
 
 His Majesty's Government do not deny that the Jesuits' 
 Estates were, on the dissolution of that Order, appropriated to 
 the education of the people, and I readily admit that the Re- 
 venue which may result from that property, should be regarded 
 as inviolably and exclusively applicable to that object. 
 
 It is to be regretted undoubtedly, that any part of those funds 
 were ever applied to any other purpose, but although in former 
 times Your Lordship's predecessors may have had to contend 
 with diflSculties which caused and excused that mode of appro- 
 priation, I do not feel myself now called upon to enter into any 
 consideration of that part of the subject. 
 
 If, however, I may rely on the Returns which have been made 
 to this Department, the Rents of the Jesuits' Estates have, 
 during the last few years, been devoted exclusively to the pur- 
 pose of education, and my Despatch, dated the 24th December 
 last, marked ** separate," sufficiently indicates that His Majesty's 
 Ministers had resolved upon a strict adherence to that principle 
 several months before the present Address was adopted. 
 
 The only practical question which remains for consideration 
 is, whether the appropriation of these funds for the purposes of 
 education, should be directed by His Majesty or by the Pro- 
 vincial Legislature. 
 
 The King cheerfully, and without reserve, confides that duty 
 to the Legislature, in the full persuasion that they will make 
 such a selection amongst the different plans for this purpose 
 which may be presented to their notice, as may most effectually 
 advance the interests of religion and sound learning amongst 
 His Subjects ; and I cannot doubt that the Assembly will see 
 the justice of continuing to maintain under the new distribution 
 <^ these funds, those Scholastic Establishments to which they 
 are now applied. 
 
 I understand that certain buildings in the Jesuits' Estates 
 which were formerly used for Collegiate purposes, have since 
 been uniformly employed as a Barrack for the King's Troops. 
 It would obviously be highly inconvenient to attempt any im- 
 mediate change in this respect ; and I am convinced that the 
 Assembly would equdly regret any measure which might 
 diminish the comfort or endanger the health of the King's 
 Forces. If, however, the Assembly should be disposed to pro- 
 vide adequate Barracks so as permanently to secure those im- 
 portant objects, His Majesty will be prepared, (upon the com- 
 pletion of such an arrangement in a manner satis&ctory to Your 
 
tion paraii le peuple, a la faveur de rencouragement accord<3 
 par aes Actes r^cens de la Legislature, ont ete grandement re- 
 tard^s par la diversion des biens des J^suitcs, destines dans 
 I'origine a cette fin. 
 
 Le Gouvernement de Sa Majestd ne nie pas que les Biens 
 des J^suites n'avaieut ^te a la dissolution de cet urdre, appro* 
 pri^s a I'education du peuple, et j'admets volontiers que les 
 revenus qui peuvent provenir de ces biens, doivent etre regardos 
 comme inviolablement et exclusivement applicables a cet objet. 
 
 II est a regretter, sans doute, qu'aucune partie de ces fonds 
 ait jamais ^te appliquee a d'autres fins, et quoique precddem- 
 ment les predecesseurs de Votre Seigneurie, aient eu a lutter 
 contre des difficultes qui furent la cause et Tezcuse de ce mode 
 d'appropriation, je ne me sens pas maintenant appele a entrer 
 dang la consideration de cette partie du sujet. 
 
 Si, cependant, je puis me fier aux rapports qui ont ^te faits a 
 ce Departement, les loyers des biens des Jesuites, ont ete ces 
 dernieres ann^es, devours exclusivement aux fins de I'dducation, 
 et ma Dep^che en date du vingt-quatre de Decembrc dernier, 
 marquee " separate" indique suffisamment que les Ministres de 
 Sa Majesty avaient r^solu d'adh^rer strictement a ce prindpe 
 plusieurs mois avant Tadoption de la presente adrosse. 
 
 La seule question pratique qu'il reste a consid^rer, est de 
 savoir : si i'appropriation de ces fonds pour les fins de I'education, 
 tombera entre les mains de Sa Majeste ou entre celles de la Le- 
 gislature Provinciale. 4 <),, 
 
 Le Roi confie ce devoir, de bon cioeur et sans reserve a la 
 Legislature, dans la pleine persuasion que parmi les differens 
 plans qui pourront lui etre presentes pour cette fin, elle fera le 
 choix qui promettra d'avancer avec le plus d'eificacite les interSts 
 de la religion et des saines connaissances parmi ses sujets ; et je 
 ne puis douter que TAssemblee n'y voie la justice de continner 
 a maintenir, sous la nouvelle distribution de ces fonds, les eta- 
 blissemens d'educatiou auxquels ils sent maintenant appliques. • 
 
 Je vois que certains batimens fiusant partie des biens des 
 Jesuites,> qui autrefois servaient d?. College, ont ete depuis em- 
 ployes constamment comme Casernes pour loger leS Troupes du 
 Koi. II y aurait evidemment de grands inconveniens a essayer 
 d'operer UQ changement imm&diat a cet egard, et je suis con- 
 vaiocu que I'Assembiee verrait elle-meme avec cLagrinj une 
 mesure qui pourrait diminuer I'use ou mettre en danger la sante 
 des Troupes du Roi; si, cependant, TAssembleeetait disposee a 
 procurer des Casernes suffibantes, de sorte a assurer d'une 
 mani^e permanente ces objets important, Sa Majeste sera pre- 
 paree, (sur Taccomplissement d'ua tel arrangement a la satis&c- 
 
m 
 
 •' 
 
 "ill 
 
 8 
 
 Lordship,) to acquiesce in the appropriation of the buildings in 
 question to the same purposes as those to which the general 
 ninds of the Jesuits' Estates are now about to be restored. 
 
 I should fear that ill founded expectations may have been 
 indulged respecting the value and productiveness of the Jesuits' 
 Estates.— 'In this, as in most other cases, concealment appears 
 to have been followed by exaggeration as its natural consequent 
 ces. Had the application of the Assembly for an account of the 
 proceeds of these Estates been granted, much misapprehension 
 would probably have been dispelled. My regret from the effect - 
 of your decision to withhold these accounts does not, however, 
 render me insensible to the propriety and apparent weight of the 
 motives by which your judgment was guided. Disavowing, 
 however, every wish for concealment, 1 am to instruct Your 
 Lordship to lay these accounts before the Assembly in the most 
 complete detail, at the commencement of their next Session, 
 and to supply the House with any further explanatory state- 
 ments which they may require respecting them. 
 
 It appearing that the sum of £7154 15s. 4^d. has been 
 recovered from the late Mr. Caldwell's property, in respect of 
 the claims of the Crown against him on account of the Jesuits' 
 Estates, Your Lordship will cause that sum to be placed at the 
 disposal of the Legislature for general purposes. The sum of 
 £1280 Ss. 4d. which was also recovered on account of the same 
 property, must also be placed at the disposal of the Legislature, 
 but should, with reference to the principles already noticed, be 
 considered as applicable to the purposes of education exclu- 
 sively. 
 
 Secondly : The House of Assembly represent that the pro- ' 
 gress of education has been impeded by the withholding the 
 grants of land promised for schools in the year 1801. 
 
 On referring to the Speech delivered in that year by the then ' 
 Governor, to the two Houses of the Provincial Legislature, I 
 find that such an engagement as the Address refers to was ac- 
 tually made. It of course, therefore, is binding on the Crown, 
 and must now be carried into effect, unless there be any circum- • 
 stances of which I am not apprized, which may have cancelled >■ 
 the obli^tion contracted in 1801, or which may have rendered 
 the fulmment of it at the present time impracticable. If any - 
 such circumstances really exist, your Lordship will report them ' 
 to me immediately, in order that the fit course to be taken may ^ 
 be further considered. 
 
 Thirdly : The rejection by the Legislative Council of various 
 Bills in favour of education is noticed as the last of the impedi* 
 ments to the progress of education. --■«'- ••►-^^ <- * -^i 
 
any • 
 
 I them ' 
 
 may • 
 
 moQS 
 )edi- 
 
 tloii dtt voire SeiKiieuiie,) a couseiitir a cc que les Batiinens en 
 question soient anectds k la memc destination que celle a kquelle 
 les fonds gen^mux des Biens des Jusuites sont sur le point d'etre 
 rendus. 
 
 Je craindrais qu'on n'ait con9ii des idces mal fondles sur la 
 valeur des revenus des Biens des Jesuites. Dans ce cas, comme 
 dans la plupart des autres, le secret paralt avoir donn^ lieu a I'ex- 
 agdration comme une consequence naturelle. Si la demande qu'a 
 faite I'Assemblde d'un compte des revenus de ces biens eut 6t6 
 accordee, cela aurait probablement remedie a beaucoup de m6- 
 prises. Le chagrin que j'ai de I'effet de votre decision a refuser ces 
 comptes ne m'empeche pas cependant de sentir la convenauce et 
 le poids apparent des motifs qui ont guidd votre jugement; ddsa^ . 
 vouant cependant toutdesir de secret, j'ai a donner instruction a 
 votre Seigneurie de mettre ces comptes devant I'Assemblee de la 
 manieie la plus detaillee, au commencement de 2a prochaine . 
 Session, et de fournir a la Chambre toutes les informations et . 
 explications qu'elle pourra demander d ce sujet. 
 
 Comme il parait qu'on a recouvrd la somme de £7154 15s. 4^d. 
 sur les biens de feu M. Caldwell, a raison des reclamations de la 
 Couronne contre lui, concernant les Biens des Jesuites, votre Sei- 
 gneurie fera mettre cette somme a la disposition de la Legisla- 
 ture pour des fins generates. La somme de £1280 3s. 4d. qui 
 a aussi ete recouvrde a raison des roemes Biens, devra aussi etre ' 
 mise a la disposition de la Legislature, mais d'apres les principes . 
 qui viennent d'etre posds, elle devra etre regardde comme dtant 
 exclusivement appliquable aux fins de I'education. 
 
 Secondement : La Chambre d'Assembl^e represente, que lei 
 progres de I'education ont 6te arretes par le refus des octrois de. 
 terres promis pour les ecoles en I'annee 1801. 
 
 En consultant le discours prononce cette annee-la, par le 
 Gouverneur d'alors, aux deux Chambres de la Legislature Pro- 
 vinciale, je trouve qu'il fut reellement fait un engagement de la 
 nature de celui dont I'Adresse fait mention. Ainsi, comme de 
 raison, la Couronne est liee, et il faut qu'il soit maintenant mis 
 a eifet, a moins qu'il ne se rencontre quelques circonstances que 
 j'iguore, qui peuvent avoir annule I'obligation contractde en 
 1^1, ou qui peuvent en avoir rendu I'accomplissement impos-; 
 sible a pr^ent. S'il existe reellement de telles circonstances, 
 votre Seigneurie m'en fera rapport incessamment afin de con- 
 sididrer unt^eurement la marche qu'il convient de suivre. 
 
 Troisiemement : Le rejet par le Conseil Legislatif de divers 
 Bills en favour de I'education e$t donoe comme le dernier des 
 obstaclM aux progres de I'education. 
 
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 •i 1 1 
 

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 10 
 
 Upon this subject, it is obvious that His Majesty's Govern- 
 xnent have no power of exercising any control, und that they 
 could not interfere with the free exercise of the discretion of the 
 Legislative Council, without the violation of the most undoubted 
 maxims of the Constitution. How far that body may have 
 actually counteracted the wishes of the Assembly on this subject 
 I am not very exactly informed, nor would it become me to 
 express an opinion on the wisdom or propriety of c \y decision 
 which they may have formed of that nature. The Assembly, 
 however, may be assured that whatever legitimate influence 
 His Majesty's Government can exercise, will always be employ- 
 ed to promote in every direction all measures which have for 
 their object the religious, moral, or literary instruction of the 
 People of Lower Canada. 
 
 Fourthly : The Address proceeds to state that the nanage- 
 ment of the Waste Lands of the Crown has been vicious and 
 improvident, and still impedes the settlement of those Lands. 
 
 This subject has engaged and still occupies my most anxious 
 attention, and I propose to address your Lordship upon it at 
 length in a separate Despatch. The considerations connected 
 with the settlement of waste lands are too numerous and exten- 
 sive to be conveniently embodied in a Despatch embracing so- 
 many other objects of discussion. 
 
 Fifthly : The exercise by Parliament of its power of regulat- 
 ing the Trade of the Province, is said to have occasioned inju- 
 rious uncertainty in mercantile speculations, and prejudicial 
 fluctuations^ in the value of real estate, and of the different 
 branches of industry connected with trade. 
 
 It is gratifying to find that this complaint is connected with a 
 frank acknowledgment, that the power in question has been 
 beneficially exercised on several occasions for the prosperity of 
 Lower Canada. It is, I fear, an unavoidable consequence of the 
 connection whidi happily subsists between the two countries, 
 that Parliament should occasionally require of the commercial 
 body of Lower Canada, some mutual sacrifices for the general 
 good of the Empire at large. I therefore shall not attempt to 
 deny that the changes in the commercial policy of this Kingdom 
 during the last few years, may have been productive of occa- 
 sional inconvenience and loss to that body, since scarcely any 
 particular interest in Great Britain, of which some sacrifice has 
 not been required during the same period. The most which can 
 be effected by legislation on such a subject as this, is a steady 
 though gradual advance towards those great objects which an 
 eidightened system of commercial regulations contemplates. 
 The relaxation of restrictions on the trade of the British Colo- 
 nies, and the developement of their resources, have been kept 
 
 
11 
 
 I Govern- 
 that they 
 ion of the 
 indoubted 
 may have 
 lis subject 
 ne me to 
 y decision 
 Assembly, 
 influence 
 e employ- 
 have for 
 on of the _ 
 
 J manage- 
 cious and 
 ! Lands. 
 »st anxious 
 upon it at 
 connected 
 md exten- 
 bracing so- 
 
 |of regulat- 
 oned inju- 
 prejudicial 
 different 
 
 !ted with a 
 has been 
 
 osperity of 
 
 nee of the 
 countries, 
 
 ommercial 
 le general 
 
 attempt to 
 Kingdom 
 
 e of occa- 
 
 arcely any 
 
 icrifice has 
 which can 
 
 is a steady 
 which an 
 
 itemplates. 
 
 itish Colo- 
 been kept 
 
 Sur ce point, il est evident que le Gouvernement de Sa Ma- 
 jest^ n'a le pouvoir d'exercer aucun controle, et qu'il ne pouvait 
 intervenir dans le libre exercice de la volont^ du Conseil L^gis- 
 latif, sans violer les maximcs les mieux reconnues de la Consti- 
 tution. Jusqu'ou ce corps pent avoir vraiment r^sist^ aux d^irs 
 de I'Assemblee sur ce sujet, c'est ce sur quoi je n'ai pas d'infor- 
 mations exactes, et il ne me conviendrait pas d'^mettre une 
 opinion sur la sagesse ou la convenance d'aucune decision de 
 cette nature qu'il pent avoir formde. L'Assembl^e, cependant, 
 ..ut etre assuree que toute influence legitime que petit exercer 
 le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste, sera toujours employee a 
 tavoriser, dans toute direction, toutes les mesures qui auront 
 pour objet I'instruction religieuse, morale ou litt^raire du peuple 
 du Bas-Canada. 
 
 Quatriemement:. L'Adresse procede a exposer que la r^gie 
 des terres incultes de la Couronne a ^te vicieuse et injudicieuse, 
 et gSne encore I'etablissement de ces terres. 
 
 Ce sujet a engage et occupe toute mon attention, et je me 
 propose de communiquer au long sur ce sujet avec votre Sei- 
 gneurie, dans une dcpeche separce. Les considerations qui se 
 rattachent a retabiissement des terres incultes sont trop nom- 
 breuses et trop etendues pour etre convenablement encadrees 
 dans une depeche qui embrasse tant d'autres sujets de discussion. 
 
 Cinquiemement : L'exercice par le Parlement de son pouvoir 
 de regier le Commerce de la Province, occasionne, dit-on, une 
 incertitude dommageable dans les speculations meroantiles, et 
 des fluctuations prejudiciabies, dans la valeur des biens-fonds, 
 et aux differentes branches d'industrie liees au commerce. 
 
 II est flatteur de voir que cctte pluinte est accompagn^e de 
 I'aveu franc que le pouvoir en question a 6t6 exerce avec avan- 
 tage en plusieurs occasions pour la prosperite du Bas-Canada. 
 C'est, je le crains, une consequence inevitable de la connection 
 qui subside heureusement eutre les deux pays, que le Parlement 
 exige quelque fois du corps mercantile du Bas-Canada, quelques 
 sacrifices mutuels pour le bien general de tout I'Empire. Je 
 n'essaierai done pas de nier que' les changemens survenus dans 
 la politique commerciale de ce royaume, depuis quelques 
 annees, n'aient pu produire des inconveniens et des pertes occa- 
 sioqnels a ce corps, puisqu'on pourrait d peine faire mention 
 d'un seul interct particulier dans la Grande-Bretagne, dont on 
 ait exige quelques sacrifices pendant la mcme p^riode. Tout ce 
 que pent faire la legislation sur un sujet comme celui-ci, est une 
 progression constante, quoique graduelle, vers les grands objets 
 
 Zui sont le but d'un systeme dclaire de reglcmens commerciaux. 
 •e relachement des restrictions imposees au commerce des 
 Colonies JBritanniques, et le d^veloppement de leurs ressources 
 
if^ 
 
 12 
 
 ii 
 
 
 I '■] 
 
 Steadfastly in view ."imidst all the alterations to whidi tie 
 Address refers, and I confidently rely on the candour of the 
 House of Assembly to admit, that upon the whole, no incon- 
 Mderable advance towards those great ends has been made. 
 They may rest assured that the same principles will foe steadily 
 borne in mind by His Majesty's Government, in every modifi- 
 cation of the existing laws which they may at any future time 
 have occasion to recommend to Parliament. 
 
 Sixthly: The Assembly in their Address proceed to state, 
 that the inhabitants of the different towns, parishes, townships, 
 extra parochial places, and counties of the Province, suffer from 
 the want of sufficient legal powers for regulating and managing 
 their local concerns. 
 
 I am happy in the opportunity which at present presents itself 
 of demonstrating the desire of His Majesty's Government to 
 co-operate with the local Legislature in the redress of every 
 grievance of this nature. The three Bills which your Lordship 
 reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure, in the 
 last Session of the Assembly, for establishing the parochial divi- 
 sions of the Province, and for the incorporation of the cities of 
 Quebec and Montreal, will be confirmed and finally enacted by 
 His Majesty in Council, with the least possible delay ; and I 
 expect very shortly to be able to transmit to your Lordship the 
 necessary Orders in Council for that purpose. 
 
 I very sincerely regret that the Bill passed for the legal esta- 
 blishment of Parishes in the month of March, 1829, should have 
 been defeated by the delay which occurred in transmitting the 
 official confirmation by the King in Council. Many months 
 elapsed after its arrival in this kingdom, before that form could 
 be observed ; and His late Majesty's protracted illness delayed 
 still longer the bringing it under the consideration of the King 
 in Council. 
 
 If it should be the opinion of the Colonial Legislature that 
 additional provisions arc wanting to enable the local authorities 
 in counties, cities or parishes, to regulate their own more im- 
 mediate affairs, your Lordship will understand that you are at 
 liberty to assent in His Majesty's name to any well considered 
 Laws which may be presented to you for that purpose. 
 
 Seventhly : I proceed to the next subject of complaint, which 
 is, that uncertainty and confusion have been introduced into the 
 Laws for the security and regulation of property, by the inter- 
 mixture of diffci'ent Codes of Laws and Rules of proceeding in 
 the Courts of Justice. 
 
 The intermixture to which the Address refers, so far as I am 
 ware, arises from the English Criminal Code having be«n 
 
13 
 
 ti'ont jamais ^te perdus de vue au milieu des cuangemem aux- 
 quels TAdresse fait allusion ; et j 'attends avec confiance de la 
 candeur de la Chambre d'Assemblee, iqu'elle admettra que, dans 
 ressemble, on a fait des progres assez marque vers ces grandes 
 fins. Elle peut etre assuree que le Gouvernement de 8a Ma- 
 jesty adherera constamment a ces prindpes dans toute modifica- 
 tion des lois existantes qu'il pourra par la suite avoir occasion 
 de recommander au Parlement. 
 
 Sixiemement : L'Assemblee, dans son Adresse, procede & 
 exposer : que les habitans des differentes villes, paroisses, town- 
 vhips et filaces extra-paroissiales et comtes de la Province, souf- 
 frent du manque de pouvoirs legaux suffisans pour r^gler et 
 r^g^r leurs affaires locales. 
 
 Je suis bien aise qu'il se presente maintenant une occasion de 
 faire dclater le desir du Gouvernement de Sa Majestd de co- 
 op^rer avec la Legislature locale au redressement de tout grief 
 de cette nature. Les trois Bills que votre Seigneurie a transmis 
 pour la signification du bon plaisir de Sa Majesty, passes dans 
 la derniere Session de I'Assemblee pour ^tablir les divisions 
 paroissiales de la Province, et pour incorporer les cites de Que- 
 bec et Montreal, seront confirmds et finalement passes en loi 
 par Sa Majeste en Conseil, sous le plus court delai possible, et 
 j'espere me trouver sous peu en Jtat de transmettre a votre 
 Seigneurie les ordres en Conseil nccessaires pour cette fin. 
 
 Je regrette sincerement que le Bill passe pour I'ctablissement 
 l^gal des Paroisses dans le mois de Mars 1829, soit venu a 
 tomber, par le d^lai qui est survenu dans la transmission de sa 
 confirmation officielle par le Roi en Conseil ; plusieurs mois 
 s'^tant ^coul^s apres son arriv^e en ce royaume, avant que cette 
 fornralit^ put etre observee ; et la maladie prolongee de Sa feue 
 Majesti^ en a encore retards davantage la prise en consideration 
 par le Roi en Conseil. 
 
 Si la Legislature Coloniale est d'avis qu'il faille des disposi- 
 tions additionnellespour mettre les autoritds locales des Comti^, 
 des Cites ou des Paroisses en etat de regler les affaires qui les 
 int^ressent plus immddiatement, que votre Seigneurie sache, 
 qu'il vous est libre de sanctionner au nom de Sa Majeste toutes 
 Lois bien considerdes qui pourront vous etre prdsentdes a cette 
 fin. 
 
 Septiemement : J'en viens au sujet de plainte qui suit, savoir : 
 que le melange de differens Codes de Lois et regies de proclg- 
 dure dans les Cours de Justice, ont jetd de I'incertitude et de la 
 oonfusion dans les lois qui protegent et rdgissent la propridtc. 
 
 Le melange dont I'Adresse fait mention vient, d'apres ce que 
 j'en connais, du Code Criminel Anglais qui a 6t^ maintenu par 
 
14 
 
 ( -' 
 
 maintained by the British Statute of 1774, and from the various 
 Acts of Parliament which have introduced into the Province the 
 Soccage Tenure, and subjected all lands so holden to the Eng- 
 lish rules of alienation and descent. 
 
 As a mere matter of fact, there can be no doubt that the in- 
 fusion of these parts of the Law of England into the Provincial 
 Code, was dictated by the piost sincere wish to promote the 
 general welfare of the people of Lower Canada. This was 
 especially the case with regard to the Criminal Law, and is suf- 
 iiciently apparent from the language of the eleventh section of 
 the Statute 14 Geo. III. chap. 83, with regard to the advantage 
 to be anticipated from the substitution of tenure in soccage for 
 feudal services. I may remark that Parliament could scarcely 
 be otherwise than sincerely convinced of the benefits of that 
 measure, since the maxims on which they proceeded are in ac- 
 cordance with the conclusions of almost all theoretical writers 
 and practical statesmen. I am not, indeed, anxious to show 
 that these views were just, but I think it not immaterial to have 
 pointed out that the errors, if any, which they involve, can be 
 attribu(}ed only to a sincere zeal for the good of those whom the 
 enactments in question more immediately affect. 
 
 I fully admit, however, that this is a subject of local and in^ 
 * .'nal policy, upon which far greater weight is due to the deli- 
 berate judgment of enlightened men in the Province, than to 
 any external authority whatever. Your Lordship will announce 
 to the Council and Assembly, His Majesty's entire disposition 
 to concur with them in any measure which they may think best 
 adapted for ensuring a calm and comprehensive survey of these 
 subjects in all their bearings. It will then remain with the two 
 Houses to provide such Laws as may be necessary to render 
 the Provincial Code more uniform and better adapted to the 
 aotual condition of society in Lower Canada. To any Laws 
 prepared for that purpose, and calculated to advance it. His 
 Majesty's assent will be given with the utmost satisfaction. It 
 is possible that a work of this nature would be best executed by 
 Commissioners to be specially designated for the purpose. 
 Should such be your Lordship's opinion, you will suggest that 
 mode of proceeding to both Houses of the Provincial Legisla- 
 ture, who, I am convinced, would willingly incur whatever ex- 
 pense may be inseparable from such an undertaking, unless they 
 should themselves be able to originate any plan of enquiry and 
 proceeding at once equally effective and economical. 
 

 15 
 
 le Statut Britannique de 1774, et des divers Actes du Parlem(<nt 
 qui ont introduit dans la Province la tenure soceagere, et soumis 
 toutes les terres, ainsi tenues, aux regies d'alienation et de suc- 
 ccesion des Lois Anglaises. 
 
 Comme simple matlere de fait, il ne peut y avoir de doute 
 que I'infusion de ces parties des Lois d'Angleterre dans le Code 
 Provincial, a ete dictu par le d^sir le plus sincere d'avancer le 
 bien-etre general du peuple du Bas-Canada. Cela a cte le caa 
 surtout pour les lois criminelles, et c'est ce qui paraitra assez 
 clair par le langage de la onzieme Section du Statut de la 14e 
 Geo. in. chap. 83, touchant les avantages qui doivent r^sulter 
 de la substitution de la tenure soceagere aux services feodeaux; 
 je puis remarquer que le Parleinent uc pouvait guere etre mu 
 que par la conviction sincere des avantages de cette mesure, 
 d'autant plus que les maximes d'apres lesquelles il proceda, 
 s'accordent avec les opinions de presque tons les ecrivains qui 
 ont traite ce sujet en theorie, et des liommes d'etat dans leurs 
 operations pratiques. Ce n'cst pas qutf je veuille demontrer la 
 justesse de ces vues, mais je pense qu'il importe beancoup de 
 faire remarquer que les erreurs qu'elles embrassent, s'il y en a, 
 ne peuvent etre attributes qu'a un zele sincere pour le bien de 
 ceux que les dispositions legislatives en question affectent plus 
 immediatement. 
 
 J'admets pleinement, cependant, que c'est la un sujet de poli- 
 tique locale et interieure, et a I'egard duquel le jugement de- 
 libere des hommes eciaircs de la Province doit avoir beaucoup 
 plus de poids, que toute autorite exterieure quelconque. — 
 Votre Seigneurie communiquera au Conseil et a I'Assembiee 
 la disposition entiere de Sa Majeste de concourir avec eux 
 a toutes mesures qu'ils jugeront plus, propres a assurer un 
 examen calme et etendu de ces sujets sous tous leurs rapports. 
 II restera alors aux deux Chambres a rediger les lois qui 
 peuvent etre necessaires pour rendre le Code Provincial plus 
 uniforme, et mieux adapte a Tetat actuel de la soci^te 
 dans le Bas-Canada. L'assentiment sera donn^ avec la plus 
 vive satisfaction a toutes lois redigees a cette fin, et qui en 
 faoiliteront Taccomplissement. II est possible qu'un ouvrage de 
 cette nature put etre execute avec plus d'avantage par des com- 
 missaires qui seraient specialement d^signes a cette fin. Si telle 
 est I'opinion de votre Seigneurie, vous suggererez ce mode de 
 proc^der aux deux Chambres de la Legislature Provinciale, qui, 
 j'en suis bien convaiucu, consentir6nt volontier a encourir toutes 
 depenses quelconques qui seront la consequence d'une pareille 
 entreprise, a moins qu'elles ne fussent elles-memes en ^tat d'ima- 
 giner un autre plan d'investigation et de proceda, qui serait 
 a la fbis aussi effectif et aussi economique. , 
 
 rl 
 
16 
 
 Is 
 
 £ightUly : The Admioistration of Justice is said to have be- 
 come ineflBcient and unnecessarily expensive. 
 
 As the Provincial Tribunals derive their present constitution 
 from local Statutes, and not from any exercise of His Majesty's 
 prerogative, it is not within the power of the King to improve 
 the mode of administering the Law, or to diminish the costs of 
 litigation. Your Lordship will, however, assure the House of 
 Assembly that His Majesty is not only ready, but desirous, to 
 co-operate with them in any improvements of the judicial system, 
 which the wisdom and experience of the two Houses may sug- 
 gest Your Lordship will immediately assent to any Bills which 
 may be passed for that purpose, excepting in the highly impro- 
 bable event of their being found open to some apparently con- 
 clusive objection. Even in that case, however, you will reserve 
 any Bills for improving the administration of the Law for the 
 signification of His Majesty's pleasure, instead of immediately 
 rejecting them. 
 
 Ninthly : The Address then states that the confusion and un- 
 certainty of which the House complains, have been greatly 
 increased by enactments affecting real property in the Colony, 
 made in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, since the esta- 
 blishment of the Provincial Legislature, without those interested . 
 lukving even had an opportunity of being heard ; and particularly 
 by a recent decision on one of the said enactments in the Pro- 
 vincial Court of Appeals. 
 
 His Majesty's Government can have no controversy with the 
 House of Assembly upon this subject. The House cannot state 
 in stronger terms than they are disposed to acknowledge, the 
 fitness of leaving to the Legislature of Lower Canada exclusively 
 the enactment of every law which may be required respecting 
 real property within that Province. 
 
 It cannot be denied that, at a former period, a different 
 opinioa was entertained bv^ the British Government, anvl that 
 the Statute Book of this Kingdom contains various regulations 
 on the subject of lands in Lower Canada, which might perhaps 
 have been more conveniently enacted in the Province itself. I 
 apprekend, kowever, that this interference of Parliauent was 
 never invoked except on the pressure of some supposed neces- 
 sity ; and that there never was a period in which such Acts were 
 introduced by the Ministers of the Crown without reluctanee. 
 
 To a certain extent the Statute 1st Will. IV. Cap. —, which 
 was passed at the instance of His Majesty's Government in the 
 last Session of Parliasenti has anticipated the complaint to 
 
t 
 
 trent 
 
 li that) 
 
 lationt 
 
 trbapfti 
 
 >lf. I 
 
 '*' Huitiemement : L'administration de la Justice est devenue, 
 dit-on, inefficacc et inutilement dispendieuse. 
 
 Comme les tribunaux provinciaux tiennent leur constitution 
 actuelle de statuts provinciaux, et nullement de I'exercise de la 
 prerogative de Sa Majestc, il n'est pas au pouvoir du Roi 
 d'am^iiorer le systeme de Tadministration des lois, ni de dimi- 
 nuer les frais de justice. Votre Seigneurie, cependant, assurera 
 a la Chambre d'Assemblce, que 8a Majeste est non seulement 
 dans la disposition, mais qu'eile a meme ie d^sir de co-op^rer 
 avec elie a toutes les ameliorations du systeme judiciaire que 
 sugg^reront la sagesse et Texp^rience des deux Chambres. 
 Votre Seigneurie sanctionnera imm^diatement tons bills qui 
 pourront etre passes n cette fin, si ce n'est dans le cas tres- 
 improbable qu'ils ne donnassent lieu a quelques objections qui 
 paraitraient conciuantes. Et dans ce cas meme, vous reserveress 
 tons bills passes pour ameliorer l'administration de la justice a 
 la signification du bon plaisir de Sa Majeste, au lieu de les re- 
 jeter sur-le-champ. 
 
 Neuviemement : L'Adresse expose alors que la confusion et 
 I'incertitude dont la Cbambre se plaint ont ^t^ augmentees de 
 beaucoup par des Actes affectant les biens-fonds de la Colonie, 
 passes dans le Parlement du Royaume-Uni, depuis I'etablisse- 
 ment de la Legislature Provinciate, sans que les int^ress^s 
 eussent eu meme, Toccasion, d'etre entendus, et surtout par une 
 decision recente sur un de ces Actes dans la Cour d'Appel Pro- 
 vinciale. 
 
 II ne pent y avoir sur ce sujet aucune dispute entre le Gou- 
 vernement de Sa Majeste et la Chambre d'Assemblee. La 
 Cbambre ne saurait exposer en termes plus forts que ceux dans 
 lesquels il est dispose a la reconnaitre, la convenance de laisser 
 exclusivement a la Legislature du Bas-Canada la passation de 
 toute loi qui pourra etre necessaire pour regir la propri^t6 dans 
 cette Province, "^v' '^ 
 
 On ne pent nier qu'a une dpoque antdrieure le Gouvernemcnt 
 Britannique avait line opinion differente, et que le livre des 
 Statuts de ce Royaume contient, touchant les terres du Bas- 
 Canada, divers reglemens qui auraient peut-etre ete passes avec 
 plus de convenance dans la Province meme ; je croirais cepen- 
 dant qu'on n'a invoqud I'intervention du Parlement, que dans 
 des cas d'urgence et de ndcessite supposees, et que ce n'a jamais 
 ete sans repugnance que les Ministres de Sa Majeste ont intro- 
 duit de tels Actes. 
 
 Le Statut premier, Guillaume Quatre, Cbapitre — , qui fut 
 passd a I'instance du Gouvernement de Sa Majeste dans la der- 
 niere Session du Parlement, a, jusqu'a un certain point, anticipe 
 
18 
 
 i 
 
 If 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 J : 
 
 which I am now referring, and has prevented its recurrence by 
 authorizing the local Legislature to regulate whatever relates to 
 the incidents of soccage tenure in the Province, without refer- 
 ence to any real or supposed repugnancy of any such regulations 
 to the Law of England. If there is any other part of the 
 British Statute Law bearing upon this topic to which the Coun- 
 cil and Assembly shall object. His Majesty's Government will 
 be prepared to recommend to Parliament that it should be re- 
 pealed. 
 
 Tcnthly : — It is stated that several of the Judges of the Courts 
 in the Province have long been engaged in, and have even taken 
 a public part in the political affairs and differences of the Pro- 
 vince, at the same time holding offices at pleasure, and situations 
 incompatible with the due discharge of their judicial functions. 
 
 Under this head again, it is very gratifying to the Ministers 
 of the Crown to find that they had in a great measure obviated 
 by anticipation the comnlaint of the House of Assembly. In 
 the Despatch which I aadressed to Your Lordship on the 8th 
 of February, No. 22, every arrangement was made which could 
 either be suggested or carried into effect by His Majesty's 
 authority for removing the Judges of the Province from all con- 
 nection with its political affairs, and for rendering them inde- 
 pendent, at once of the authority of the Crown, and the control 
 of the other branches of the Legislature, thus placing them ex- 
 actly in the same position as that of the Judges of the Supreme 
 Courts at Westminster. .., 
 
 The Judges themselves have, it appears, with laudable 
 promptitude, concurred in giving effect to these recommenda- 
 tions, by discontinuing their attendance at the Executive Coun- 
 cil. Nothing therefore, in fact, remains for terminating all 
 discussion upon this subject, but that the House of Assembly 
 should make such a permanent provision for the Judges, as 
 without exceeding a just remuneration may be adequate to their 
 independent maintenance in that rank of life which belongs to 
 the dignity of their station. 
 
 I am not aware that any Judge in Lower Canada holds any 
 office, excepting that of Executive Councillor, during the plea- 
 sure of the Crown, or which is in any respect incompatible with 
 the due discbarge of his official functions. If any such case 
 exists, Your Lordship will have the goodness immediately to 
 report to me all the circumstances by which it may be attended, 
 in order that the necessary instructions on the subject may be 
 given. In the mean time, I may state without reserve, that no 
 Judge can be permitted to retain any office corresponding with 
 the description thus given by the House of Assembly, in com- 
 bination with that independent position on the Bench to which 
 I have referred. 
 
 hW 
 
19 
 
 nee by 
 lates to 
 ! refer- 
 ilations 
 
 of the 
 ! Coun- 
 snt vrill 
 
 be re- 
 
 i Courts 
 >n taken 
 le Pro- 
 tuations 
 ctions. 
 linisters 
 obviated 
 bly. In 
 
 the 8th 
 ch could 
 /lajeaty's 
 
 all con- 
 im inde- 
 i control 
 them ex- 
 Supreme 
 
 laudable 
 mmenda- 
 ve Coun- 
 ating all 
 Assembly 
 idges, as 
 « to their 
 »elonga to 
 
 holds any 
 the plea- 
 itible with 
 such case 
 diately to 
 
 attended, 
 ct may be 
 'e, that no 
 iding with 
 r, in com- 
 
 to which 
 
 les plaintes dont je fais maintenant mention, et en prurient le 
 retour, en autorisant la Legislature locale a rdgler tout ci qui a 
 rapport aux incidens de la tenure soccagere dans la Province, 
 sans egard pour aucune difference reelle ou suppos^e, qui pourra 
 se trouver entre ses reglemens et les Lois d'Angleterre. S'il y 
 a d'autres parties des Statuts Britanniques relatives d ce point, 
 auxquelles le Conseil et i'Assemblee objecteront, le Gouverne- 
 ment de Sa Mujeste sera pret a recommander au Parlement de 
 les revoquer. 
 
 Dixi^mement : — II est dit que plusieurs des Juges des Cours 
 de la Province se sont trouves melcs, et ont pris une part pu- 
 blique dans les affaires et disputes politiqucs de la Province, tenant 
 a la fois des offices sous bon plaisir, et des situations incompati- 
 bles avec la due execution de leurs fonctions judiciaires. 
 
 Sur ce point encore, il est tres-flatteur pour les Ministres de 
 la Couronne de voir qu'ils ont en grande partie remudie d'avance 
 a la plainte de la Chambre d'Assemblee. Dans la Depeche que 
 j'adressai a Votre Seigneurie le huit Fevrier, numdro vingt-deux, 
 il a ^te pris tons les arrangemens qui pouvaient etre sugg&res et 
 s'effectuer par I'autorite de Sa Majeste pour retirer les Juges de 
 la Province de toute connexion avec les affaires politiques, et pour 
 les fendre independans et de I'autorite de la Couronne et du 
 controle des autres branches de la Legislature, les pla^ant ainsi 
 dans la meme position exactement que les Juges des Courv 
 Supremes a Westminster. 
 
 Les Juges eux-memes, ont a ce qu'il parait, concouru avec une 
 louable promptitude, a donner effet a ces recommandations, en 
 cessaht d'assister au Conseil Executif. Ainsi il ne reste plus 
 a faire pour terminer toute discussion sur ce sujet, qu'une allo- 
 cation permanente pour les Juges par la Chambre d'Assemblee, 
 laquelle allocation sans exceder une juste retribution devra etre 
 suffisante pour leur assurer une existence independante dans le 
 rang qu'ils doivent occuper dans la Societe d'apres la dignite de 
 leur charge. 
 
 Je ne sache pas qu'aucun Juge dans le Bas-Canada tienne 
 aucun office, outre que celui de Conseiller Executif, durant bon 
 plaisir, ou qui soit sous aucun rapport incompatible avec la due 
 execution de ses fonctions officieiles. S» tel cas existe, Votre 
 Seigneurie aura la bonte de me faire incessamment rapport de 
 toutes les circonstances qui peuvent Taccompagner, afin que, les 
 instructions necessaires sur le sujet soient donnees. Dans I'in- 
 tervalle, je puis dire sans reserve, qu'il ne peut etre permis d 
 attcnn Juge de retenir aucun office de la nature de ceux dont 
 parle ici TAssemblde, en combinaison avec cette position ind^- 
 pwadante sur hfe Banc a laquelle j'ai fait allusion. 
 
n 
 
 20 
 
 It 
 
 i ' 
 
 ll 
 
 ni 
 
 Eleventhly : — The Address proceeds to state, that during a 
 long series of years. Executive and Judiciary offices have been 
 bestowed almost exclusively upon one class of subjects in the 
 Province, and especially upon those the least connected by pro- 
 perty or otherwise with its permanent inhabitants ; or who have 
 shown themselves the most averse to the rights, liberties and 
 interests of the people. It is added, that several of these per- 
 sons avail themselves of the means afforded by their situations 
 to prevent .the constitutional and harmonious co-operation of the 
 Government and the House of Assembly, and to excite ill-feel- 
 ing and discord between them, while they are remiss in their 
 different situations to forward the public business. 
 
 I quote thus largely the language of the Address, because I 
 am desirous to meet every part of it in the most direct manner, 
 as well as in the most conciliatory spirit. It is not from any 
 want of that spirit, that I recommend you to suggest for the 
 consideration of the House of Assembly, how far it is possible 
 that His Majesty should clearly understand or effectually redress 
 a grievance which is brought under His notice in terms thus 
 indefinite. If any Public Officers can be named, who are guilty 
 of such an abuse of their powers, and of such remissness in their 
 duties as is implied in the preceding quotation. His Majesty 
 would not be slow to vindicate the public interest, by removing 
 any such persons from service. If it can be shown, that the 
 patronage of the Crown has been exercised upon any narrow 
 and exclusive maxims, they cannot be too entirely disavowed 
 and abandoned, especially if it be true, that the permanent In- 
 habitants of the Colony do not enjoy a full participation in all 
 public employment. The House of Assembly may be assured, 
 that His Majesty can have no desire that any such invidious 
 distinctions should be systematically maintained. 
 
 Beyond this general statement it is not in my power to ad- 
 vance. I am entirely ignorant of the specific cases to which 
 the general expressions of the Assembly point. I can only 
 state that since His Majesty was pleased to entrust to myself 
 the Seals of this Department, no opportunity has occurred for 
 exercising the patronage of the Crown in Lower Canada to 
 which it is possible that the Assembly can refer ; nor have my 
 enquiries brought to light any particular case of a more remote 
 date to which their language would appear to be applicable. 
 
 Twelfthly : — The next subject of complaint is developed in 
 the following words : — That there exists no sufficient responsi- 
 bility on the part of the persons holding these situations, nor 
 any adequate accountability among those of them entrusted with 
 the public money, the consequences of which have been, the mis- , 
 
21 
 
 Onzi^mement : — L'Adrcsse expose ensuite, que pendant line 
 longue suite d'annees, les offices Executifs et Judiciaires out et6, 
 presr^ue exclusivement, accordes a une classe de Sujets dans la 
 Province, et specialement de ceux qui se trouvaient avoir par la 
 propri^te ou autrement, le moins de liaisons, avec la population 
 fixe du pays, ou qui se sont montres le plus opposes aux droits, 
 libert^s et int^rets du peuple ; il est ajoute que plusieurs de ces 
 gens proiitent des moyens que leur fournissent leurs situations 
 
 {)our empccher la co-operation constitution nelle etla bonne intel- 
 igence, d'exister entre le Gouvernement et la Chambre d'As- 
 semblee, et pour exciter entre eux la m^sintelligence et la dis- 
 corde, tandis qu'ils sont negligens, dans leurs differentes situa- 
 tions, a avancer les affaires publiques. 
 
 Je rapporte ainsi au long le langage de I'Adresse, car je suis 
 pr^t a la rencontrer, dans toutes ses parties, de la manicre la plus 
 directe, et en meme temps, dans I'esprit le plus concilliatoire. Ce 
 n'est pas du tout le manque de cet esprit qui me porte a vous re- 
 commander de sugg^rer a la consideration de la Cliambre d'As- 
 sembl^e, jusqu'a quel point il est possible pour Sa Majeste d'en- 
 tendre clairement, et de redresser efficacement un grief qui lui 
 est expose en termes si indefinis. Si Ton pent noromer quelque 
 officier public, qui se soit rendu coupable d'un abus de ses 
 pouvoirs et d'une negligence dans ses devoirs tels que le com- 
 porte la citation qui precede, Sa Majesty se hatera de venger 
 I'interet public en le destituant de service. Si on pent montrer 
 que le patronage de la Couronne a etc exerce d'apres des 
 principes etroits et exclusifs, on ne pent trop les desavouer et les 
 abandonner : surtout, s'il est vrai que la population fixe de la 
 Colonie ne jouisse pas d'une pleine participation a tous les em- 
 plois publics, la Chambre d'Assemblce peut etre assur^e que Sa 
 Majeste ne peut desirer que des distinctions aussi odieuses soient 
 systematiquement maintenues. 
 
 ^i 11 est hors de mon pouvoir de rien avancer au-dela de cet ex- 
 pose general. J'ignore entierement les cas particuliers auxquels 
 les expressions generales de TAssemblee s'appliquent. Tout ce 
 que je puis dire, c'est que depuis le temps qu'il a plu a Sa Ma- 
 jesty de meconfier le Sceau die ce Departement,il ne s'est presente 
 aucune occasion d'exercer le patronage de la Couronne dans le 
 Bas-Canada, a laquelle I'Assemblee puisse faire allusion, et les 
 recberches que j'ai faites ne me fournissent aucun cas particulier 
 d'une date plus reculee, que ses paroles sembleraient designer. 
 
 Douziemement : — Le sujet de plainte suivant est developpe 
 dans les termes qui suivent: Qu'il n'y a pas une responsabilite 
 sufBsante a I'egard de eeux qui occupent ces places, ni de comp- 
 tabilite convenable pour ceux qui ont le maniement des deniers 
 publics, d'ou sont r^sultes les mauvais emplois de sommes de 
 
f 
 
 i 
 
 in 
 
 1 i 
 
 22 
 
 application of large sums of public money, the loss of large sums 
 of public money, and of the money of individuals by defaulters, 
 with whom deposits were made under legal authority, hitherto 
 without reimbursement, or redress having been obtained, not- 
 withstanding the humble representations of Your Petitioners. 
 
 It would be impossible without a violation of truth, to deny 
 that at a period not very remote, heavy losses were sustained 
 both by the public and by individuals, from the want of proper 
 securities having been taken by Public Accountants, and still 
 more from the want of a proper system of passing and auditing 
 these Accounts. I find, however, that in his Despatch of the 
 29th September, 1828, Sir George Murray adverted to this 
 subject in terms to which I find it difficult to make any useful 
 addition. His words are as follows : — " The complaints which 
 *' have reached this office respecting the inadequate security 
 ** given by the Receiver General and the Sheriffs for the due 
 " application of public money in their hands have not escaped 
 *' the very serious attention of the Ministers of the Crown. 
 " The most effectual security against abuses of this nature 
 ** would be, to prevent the accumulation of balances in the hands 
 " of Public Accountants, by obliging them to exhibit their 
 " Accounts to some competent authority at short intervals, and 
 ** immediately to pay over the ascertained balance. The proof 
 ** of having punctually performed this duty should be made the 
 " indispensible. condition of receiving their salaries, and of their 
 " continuance in office." 
 
 In the Colony of New South Wales, a regulation of this 
 nature has been established, under His Majesty's Instructions to 
 the Governor of that Settlement, and it has been productive of 
 great public convenience. If a similar practice were introduced 
 in Lower Canada for the regulation of the office of Receiver 
 General, and for that of Sheriff, the only apparent difficulty 
 would be tu find a safe place of deposit for their balances. I 
 am, however, authorized to state, that the Lords Commissioners 
 of His Majesty's Treasury will hold themselves responsible to 
 the Province for any " sum which the Receiver General or 
 " Sheriff may pay over to the Commissary General. Your Ex- 
 '^cellency, therefore, will propose to the Legislative Conncit 
 ** and Assembly the enactment of a Law binding these Officers 
 " to render account of the receipts at short intervals, and to pay 
 " over the balances in their hands to the Commissary Genenu, 
 ** upon condition that that Officer shall be bound on demand to 
 " deliver Bills on His Majesty's Treasury, for the amount of 
 " his receipts. I trust that in this proposal the Legislature #iU 
 
23 
 
 re sums 
 aulters, 
 litherto 
 id, not- 
 mers. 
 
 ;o deny 
 
 istained 
 
 proper 
 
 nd still 
 
 inditing 
 
 of the 
 
 to this 
 
 y useful 
 
 la which 
 
 security 
 
 the due 
 
 escaped 
 
 Crown. 
 
 I nature 
 
 be hands 
 
 lit their 
 
 als, and 
 
 le proof 
 
 lade the 
 
 of their 
 
 of this 
 ctions to 
 uctire of 
 troduced 
 Receiver 
 difficulty 
 nces. I 
 issioners 
 nsible to 
 neral or 
 four Ex- 
 Council 
 Officers 
 id to pay 
 General^ 
 inland to 
 mount of 
 iture #iU 
 
 deniera considerables, soit pour le public, soit pour les particu- 
 liers, par la faute de foiictionnaires entrc Ic^ mains desquels ces 
 Bommes etaient deposees en vcrtu de la loi, shuh ce remcde effi- 
 cace, et sans que ccs sommes aient 6t6 remhoursees jusqii'a ce 
 jour, nonobstant Ics humbles representations d« vos i'i'ti^ion- 
 naires. 
 
 II serait impossible, sans violer la verit<>, de nier qu'a une 
 ^poque qui n'est pas tres>reculee, le public et les particuliers 
 n'aient souffert des pertes par suite de ce que lei comptables 
 publics n'avaient pas donne des suretes suffisante^, et encore 
 plus par le manque d'un systemc cunvenable d'ajustement ct 
 d'uudition de ces comptes. Je vols cependant que dans la D6- 
 peche du 29 Septembre 1828, Sir George Murray s'appliqua 
 8ur ce sujet en termes auxquels je trouve qu'il serait difficile de 
 pouvoir utilement rien ajouter. II s'exprima ainsi : — " Les 
 *' plaintes qui sont parvenu a ce Bureau au sujet des suretes 
 " insuffisantes, que donnent le Receveur-General et les Sherifs 
 ** pour la due application des denicrs publics qui sont entre leurs 
 " mains, n'ont pas echappe a I'attention la plus serieuse des 
 ** Ministres de la Couronne. La surety la plus efficace contre 
 ** les abufl de cette nature serait d'empecher qu'il ne s'accumu- 
 ** lat des sommes considerables entre les mains des comptables 
 " publics, en les obligeant de presenter leurs comptes a quelque 
 " autorite competente, a. de courts intervalles et de payer imme- 
 " diatement la balance ^tablie. La preuve d'avoir ponctuelle- 
 ** ment rempli ce devoir, devrait devenir une condition indis- 
 " pensable de la reception de leurs salaires et de leur continua- 
 " tion en office." 
 
 Dans la Colonic de la Nouvelle- Galle-M^ridionale, il a ^t^ 
 ^tabli un reglement de cette nature d'apres les instructions de Sa 
 Majeste au Gouverneur de cet etablissement, et il en est result^ 
 un grand avantage public. Si on introduisait une semblable 
 pratique dans le Bas>Canada, a I'egard du Bureau du Receveur- 
 General et de celui des Sherifs, la seule difficult^ qui resterait 
 serait de trouver une place de D6p6t sure pour les balances 
 qu'ils auraient en caisse. Je suis autoris^ cependant a dire que 
 les Lords Commissaires de la Tresorerie de Sa Majesty se tien- 
 dront responsables envers la Province de toutes " sommes que 
 " le Receveur-General ou le Sherif pourront verser entre les 
 ** mains du Commissaire-Gdncral. Votre Excellence proposera 
 ** done au Conseil Legislatif et a TAssemblee de passer une 
 ** Loi qui obligera ces Officiers a rendre compte de leurs recet- 
 *' tes a de courts intervalles, et a verser les balances qui seront 
 ** entre leurs mains entre celles du Commissaire-Gen^ral, n con- 
 *< dition que cet Officier sera tenu a demande, de fournir des 
 ** Lettres-de-Change sue la Tr^sorerie de Sa M&jest^, pout le 
 
24 
 
 " find a proof of the earnest desire of His Majesty's Govern- 
 " ment to provide, as far as may be practicable, an effectual 
 " remedy for every case of real grievance." 
 
 If the preceding Instructions have proved inadequate to the 
 redress of the inconvenience to which they refer, I can assure 
 Your Lordship of the cordial concurrence of His Majesty's 
 Government in any more effective measures which may be 
 recommended for the purpose, either by yourself or by either of 
 the Houses of the Provincial Legislature. 
 
 The losses which the Province sustained by, the default of the 
 late Mr. Caldwell, is a subject which His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment contemplate with the deepest regret ; a feeling enhanced 
 by the painful conviction of their inability to afford to the Pro- 
 vincial Revenue any adequate compensation for so serious an 
 injury. What is in their power they have gladly done, by the 
 Instruction conveyed to Your Lordship in the early part of this 
 Despatch, to place at the disposal of the Legislature, for general 
 purposes, the sum of £7154 15s. 4^d. recovered from Mr. 
 Caldwell's property. The Assembly will, I trust, accept this as 
 a proof of the earnest desire of His Majesty's Government to 
 consult, to the utmost of their ability, the pecuniary interests of 
 the Provinre. > ^r; f ' 
 
 Thirteenthly : The Address proceeds to state, " The evils of 
 this state of things have been greatly aggravated by enact- 
 ments made in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, with- 
 out even the knowledge of the people of this Colony, which 
 enactments have rendered temporary duties imposed by the 
 Provincial Legislature permanent, leaving in the hands of 
 public officers, over whom the Assembly has no effectual con- 
 trol, large sums of money arising within this Province, which 
 are applied by persons subject to no sufficient accountability." 
 
 I understand this complaint to refer to the 21st clause of the 
 Statute 3rd Geo. IV. chap. 119. The duties mentioned in that 
 enactment are continued until some Act for repealing or altering 
 them shall be passed by the Legislative Council and Assembly 
 of Lower Canada, and until a copy of any such new Act shall have 
 been transmitted to the Governor of Upper Canada, and shall 
 have been laid before both Houses of Parliament, and assented 
 to by His Majesty. The motive for this enactment is explained 
 in tiie preamble to have been the necessity of obviating the 
 evils experienced in the Upper Province, from the exeicise of 
 an exclusive control by the Legislature of Lower Canada over 
 imports and exports at the Port of Quebec. I acknowledge 
 
** montant de ses recettes. Je me flatte que la Legislature verra 
 ** dans cette proposition une preuve du vif desir qu'a le Gou- 
 ** vernement de Sa Majesty d'appliquer autant que la chose sera 
 '* praticable, un remede efficace a tous cas de grief reel." 
 
 Si les Instructions pr^cedentes se sent trouvees insuffisantes 
 pour rem^dier au mal dont elles parlent, je puis assurer Votre 
 Seigneurie du concours cordial du Gouvernement de Sa Majesty 
 a toute mesure plus efficace qui pourra etre recommandie a 
 cette fin, soit par vous-meme, soit par Tune ou Tautre branche 
 de la Legislature Provinciale. Les pertes que la Province a 
 souffertes par la defalcation de feu M. Caldwell, est un sujet 
 que le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste voit avec le plus profond 
 regret, qui se trouve encore augmente par la penible conviction 
 de son incapacite de donner aux Revenus Provinciaux aucune 
 compensation egale a une perte aussi considerable. Tout ce 
 qu'il est en son pouvoir de faire, il Pa fait de bon coeur, par I'in- 
 struction qui est donn^e a Votre Seigneurie, dans la premiere 
 
 Eartie de cette Depeche, de mettre a la disposition de la Legis- 
 iture, pour les fins gen^rales, la somme de sept rnill^ cent 
 cinquante-quatre livres quinze schelings et quatre deniers et 
 demi, recouvree sur les biens de M. Caldwell. J'espere que 
 I'Assembl^e acceptera ceci comme un preuve du vif desir qu'a 
 le Gouvernement de ^a Majeste de consulter de son mieux les 
 int^rets pecuniaires de la Province. 
 
 Treiziemement : — L' Adresse expose aussi, " Que les maux 
 ** r^sultans de cet ^tat de choses ont etc considerablement ag- 
 « graves par les Lois pass^es dans le Parlement du Royaume- 
 " Uni, sans meme la connaissance du peuple de ce pays, qui 
 ** ont rendu permanens des imp6ts fixes temporairement par la 
 ** Legislature Provinciale, et laissant entre les mains d'Officiers 
 ** Publics sur lesqucls la Chambre d'Assemblde ne peut exercer 
 " aucun controle efficace, des sommes considerables prelev^es 
 " dans la Province, pour etre employees par des personnes qui 
 ** ne sent pas assujetties a un systeme suffisant de comptabilite." 
 Je vols que cette plainte a rapport a la vingt-et-unieme clause 
 du Statut de la Troisieme George Quatre, chapitre cent dix-neuf. 
 Les Droits mentionn^s dans cet Acte sent continues jusqu'a ce 
 que le Conseil Legislatif et I'Assemblee du Bas-Canada aient 
 pass^ un Acte pour les revoquer ou alterer, et jusqu'a ce qu'une 
 copie d'un tel Acte ait ete transmise au Gouverneur du Haut- 
 Canada, et ait ^te mise devant les deux Chambres du Parlement 
 et ait re9u Tassentiment de Sa Majesty. Le pr^ambule de I'Acte 
 donne pour motif de sa passation la ndcessite d'obvier aux maux 
 que souffrait la Province superieure par suite de Texercice d'un 
 controle exclusif par la Legislature du Bas-Canada, sur I'irapor- 
 tation et Texportatioil du Port de Quebec. Je reconnais sans 
 
 n 
 

 I;. 
 
 26 
 
 t^tKout reserve, that nothing but the necessity of mediating 
 betvireen the two Provinces could have justified such an inter- 
 ference by Parliament ; and that if any adequate security can 
 be devised against the recurrence of similar difficulties, the en- 
 actment ought to be repealed. The peculiar geographical posi- 
 tion of Upper Canada, enjoying no access to the sea, except 
 through a Province wholly independent on itself on the one 
 hand, or through a foreign State on the other, was supposed, in 
 the year 1822, to have created the necessity for enacting so 
 peculiar a law for its protection. I should be much gratified to 
 learn that no such necessity exists at present, or can be reason- 
 ably anticipated hereafter ; for, upon sufficient evidence of that 
 fact, His Majesty's Government would at once recommend to 
 Parliament the repeal of that part of the Statute to which the 
 Address of the House of Assembly refers. The Ministers of 
 the Crown would even be satisfied to propose to Parliament the 
 repeal of the enactment in question, upon proof that the Legis- 
 lature of the Upper Province deem such protection superfluous. 
 Perhaps it may be found practicable to arrange this matter by 
 communications between the Legislatures of the two Provinces. 
 
 The Minister of the Crown are prepared to co-operate to the 
 fullest extent in any measure which the two Legislatures shall 
 concur in recommending for the amendment or repeal of the 
 Statute 3rd Geo. IV. chap. 119, sec. 28. 
 
 Fourteenthly : The selection of the Legislative Councillors, 
 find the constitution of that body, which forms the last subject 
 of complaint in the Address, I shall not notice in this place, any 
 further than to say, that it will form the matter of a separate 
 communication, since the topic is too extensive and important 
 to be conveniently embraced in my present Despatch, 
 
 The preceding review of the questions brought by the House 
 of Assembly, appears to me entirely to justify the expectations 
 vrhich I have expressed at the commencement of this Despatch, 
 of a speedy, effectual and amicable termination of the protracted 
 discussions of several years. It would be injurious to the House 
 of Assembly to attribute to them any such captious spirit as 
 would keep alive a contest upon a few minor and insignificant 
 details, after the statement I have made of the genei'al accord- 
 ance between the views of His Majesty's Government and their 
 own, upon so many important qnestions of Canadian policy. 
 Little indeed remains for debate, and that little will, I am con* 
 vinced, be discussed with feelings of mutual kindness and good 
 i^ill, and with an earnest desire to strengthen the bonds of 
 
 Ul 
 
27 
 
 reserve que la nccessite de se porter m^diat^ur entre les deu:^ 
 Provinces a pu seule justifier une pareille intervention de la part 
 du Parlement, et que si Ton peut fournir quelque garantie su^- 
 sante centre les recours a de pareilles di£Gicultls, cet Acte devra 
 etre revoque. On supposait en roil-liuit-cent^vingt-deux que la 
 position gcographique particuliere du Haut-Canada) qui ne peyt 
 communiquer avec la mer que par une Province tout-a-fait inde- 
 pendante de lui, d'un cotp, ou par un 6ta.t etranger de rautre, 
 rendait la passation d'une loi aussi irrdguliere, necessaire pour 
 le proteger. Je serai bien flatte d'apprendre qu'une telle neces- 
 site n'existe pas a present, ou qu'on peut raisonnablement esperer 
 qu'elle ne se presentera plus a I'avenir ; car aussitot que le Gou- 
 vernement de Sa Majeste aura par-devers lui des preuves suffi- 
 santes de ce fait, il recommandera au .Parlement la revocation de 
 cette partie du Statut, auquel se rapporte I'Adresse de la Cham- 
 bre d'Assemblee. Les Ministres de la Couronne proposeraient 
 meme au Parlement de revoquer I'Acte en question, sur la i^im- 
 ple preuve que la Legislature du Haut-Canada pense qu'un^ 
 telle protection est superflue. Peut-etre que ce point pourrait 
 s'arranger par des communications qui s'echangeraient entre lies 
 Legislatures des deux Provinces. 
 
 Les Ministres de la Couronne sent prets a co-operer le plus 
 pleinemeut possible a toute mesure que les deux Legislatures 
 coucourront d recommander pour I'alteration ou la r^voc^tipH du 
 Statut Troisieme George Quatre, chapitre cent dix-neuf, sectioa 
 vingt-huit. 
 
 Quatorziemement : — Le choix des Conseillers Legislatifs et 
 la constitution de ce corps qui formeqt le dernier sujet de plainte 
 de I'Adresse, sont un sujet sur lequel je me bornerai a dire ici, 
 qu'il fera I'objet d'une communication separee, en autant que 
 c'est un sujet trop ctendu et trop important pour 6tre commod^- 
 ment embrasse dans ma presente DepecUe. 
 
 Le tableau precedent des questions amenees p^r la Cbambre 
 d'Assemblee, me parait justifier entierement de cette Depeche, 
 de voir se terminer promptement, avec efficacite et a I'amiable 
 des discussions de longues annees. Ce serait faire injure a la 
 Chambre d'Assemblee que de lui supposer un esprit assez con- 
 tentieux pour maintenir la contestation sur quelques details 
 mineurs et insignificans, apres I'exposc par lequel je viens de 
 faire ressortir Taccord general qui regne entre les vues du Gou- 
 vernement de Sa Majeste et les siennes propres, sur un si grand 
 nombre de questions de politique Canajienne. II ne reste a la 
 v^rite que peu de chose a debattre, et ce peu, j'en suis convaincu, 
 sera discut6 dans des sentimens de bienveillance et de bonne 
 volonte reciproque, et avec le plus ardent desir de r^serrer les 
 
28 
 
 union already subsisting between the two countries. His Ma- 
 jesty will esteem it amonpt the most enviable distinctions of 
 his reign to have contributed to so great and desirable a 
 result. 
 
 Your Lordship will take the earliest opportunity of transmit- 
 ting to the House of Assembly a copy of this Despatch. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 "''■'" ! Mv Lord, 
 
 Your Lordship's 
 
 Most obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) GODERICH. 
 
 (A true Copy,) 
 
 H. Craig, Secretary. 
 
 Ordered, That Six hundred copies of the said Message be 
 printed with all possible diligence, for the use of the Members 
 of this House. 
 
 Mr; Lag^eux moved to Resolve, seconded by Mr. Louis 
 Bourdages, That an humble Address be presented to His Ex- 
 cellency the Governor in Chief, thanking him for his Message 
 sent this day, and communicating to the House the Despatch 
 from Lord Viscount Goderich, bearing date the seventh of July 
 last. 
 
 The House divided on the question : . , " 
 
 Yeas, 61. •■.■/■••... .^ ^ 
 
 Nays, 2. ..,.5',, :,;o.:>,a^.:;A- -. -. 
 
 So it was carried iu the a£Eirmative, and 
 
 Resolved, Accordingly. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Lagueux, Mr. Louis Bourdages, Mr. 
 Keilson and Mr. Peck do present the said Address to His Ex- 
 cellency the Governor in Chief. 
 
 ';! 
 
 ;i. - A> ': 
 
 (■;' 
 
 f. 
 
29 
 
 Votre Seigneurie profitera de la premiere Occasion qui se prd- 
 sentera pour transmettre a la Ghambre d'Assembl^e une copie 
 de cette D^p^che. 
 
 J'ai Phonneur d'etre, 
 Milord, 
 de votre Seiffneurie 
 
 le tr^s-oD^issant serviteur, 
 (Sign^,) GODERICH. 
 
 (Pour copie conforme,) 
 
 H. Cbaio, Secretaire. 
 
 Ordanne, Que six cent copies du dit Message soient imprim^es 
 avec toute la diligence possible, pour I'usage des Membres de 
 cette Chambre. 
 
 M. Lagueux a propose de r^soadre, seconds par M. Louis 
 Bourdages, Qn*il soit pr^sent^ une humble Adresse a Son Ex- 
 cellence le Gonverneur-en-Chef, pour remercier Son Excellence 
 de son Message, envoy^ ce jour a la Chambre, commnniquant & 
 la Chambre la D^p^che du Lord Mcomte Goderich, en date da 
 septi^me Juillet dernier. 
 
 La Chambre s'est divisde snr la qnestion : 
 
 Pour, 51. 
 Centre, 2. 
 
 Ainsi elle a ^te emport^e dans I'affirmatiye, et 
 
 BSsolUf En consequence. 
 
 Ordonne, Que M. Lagueux, M. Louis Bourdages, M. Neil- 
 son et M. Peck, presentent la dite Adresse a Son Excellence 
 le Gouvernenr-en-Chef. ,.,j,,.j, 
 
 , I'.-Au-'r 
 
 . . '. !: I ' 
 ^. , -:-/:, ;;r'>h 
 
 ,.';■-[«]•''. A*\ 
 
 • 't » IS 
 
 i 11 
 
 •*^ ;y^4iir<^y 
 
 ):J 
 
miiirimiinwFirr'-T 
 
 ■■ ■;;,*. 
 
 
 !!: 
 
 riH 
 
 1.1 I 
 
 
 
 r-r.-"s 
 
 •5lfjl 
 
 ►.';;: --i, i-ij ^'v -i;cr»t:;;ij(i» 
 
 EXTRACT ,,.r ; 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 
 JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, 
 
 
 2Qth November, 1832. 
 
 i.;?jjn«; 
 
 *:-?<Vj -lif^.'^^ 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Craig, Civil Secretary to His Excellency 
 the Governor in Chief, was admitted within the Bar, and deliv- 
 ered to Mr* Speaker a Message from Hi^ Excellency the (Soy-* 
 ernor in Chief, si&fned by His Excellency, 
 
 And then he withdrew. 
 
 Ai|d the said Message was read by Mr. Speaker, all the 
 lil^mbers of the House being uncovered, and is as foUoweth : — 
 
 TiSiyJti 
 
 AylmeRc^ Governor in Chief. 
 
 "■-M V'>l'<--i;l^."J 
 
 In communicating to the House of Assembly a Copy of a 
 Despatch addressed to him by Viscount Goderich, dated the 
 10th April, 1832, respectini^the Bill passed on the 20th January 
 last, intituled, " A Bill to incapacitate the Judges in this Pro- 
 " vince from sitting or voting in the Executive and Legislative 
 ** Councils, to secure the independence of the Judges in this 
 ** Province, and fo^ pther purposes therein mentioned," the 
 Governor in Chief has been commanded to acquaint the House 
 of Assembly that His Majesty is not only prepared, but is most 
 desirous to co-operate with them in the enactment of a Law, 
 which should render the tenure of the judicial office dependent 
 on the good behaviour of the Judges, and their salaries indepen- 
 dent on the future votes of 4he House of Assembly ; and that 
 His Majesty does not object to the erection of the Legislative 
 Council into a Tribunal for trial of any offences which the Judges 
 may be charged with committing in the execution of their 
 office ; but that His Majesty cannot authorize the Governor in 
 Chief to assent to any Act for establishing judicial independence, 
 containing any enactment or declaratory of any principle of law 
 foreign to that subject. 
 
 Castle of St. Lewis, 
 
 Quebec, 26th November, 1832. 
 
EXTRAIT 
 
 JOURNAL DE LA CHAMBRE D'ASSE<^JBL^E, 
 Du Q6 NovembrCf 1831, 
 
 he Lieutenant Colonel Graig, Secretaire Civil de Son Ex- 
 cellence le Gouverneur-en-Chef, a ^te admis en dedans de la 
 barre, et a remis a M. I'Orateur un Message de Son Excellence 
 le Gouverneur-en-Chef, signe par 80n Excellence. 
 
 Et ensuite il s'est retir^. 
 
 Et le dil Message a ete lu par M. I'Orateur, tous les Mem- 
 bres de la Chambre ^tant d^couverts, et il est comme suit : — 
 
 Aylmer, Gouverneur-en-Chef. 
 
 En communiquant a la Chambre d'Assemblde une Copie 
 d'une D^peche a lui adressee par le Vieomte Goderich, en 
 date du 10 Avril 1832, a I'^gard do^'Bftl passe le 20 de Janvier 
 dernier, intitule, " Bill pour rendre les Juges en cette Province 
 " inhabiles a sieger ou voter dans les Conseils Ex^cutif et 
 " L^gislatif, pour assurer I'ind^pendance des Juges en cette 
 *• Province, et pour d'autres fins y mentionnees," le Gouverneur- 
 en-Chef a re9u I'ordre d'informer la Chambre d'Assembl^e, que 
 Sa Majesty est non-seulement pr^parde, mais qu'elle desire 
 meme co-op^rer avec elle dans la passation d'une Loi que ren- 
 drait la tenue de I'office judiciaire dependante de la bonne con- 
 duite des Juges, et qui rendrait leurs aprointemens independans 
 des votes futurs de la Chambre d'ABsemolee, et que Sa Majesty 
 n'a pas d'objection a I'erection du Conseil Legislatif en un 
 Tribunal pour juger des offenses dont les Juges pourront etre 
 accusees d'avoir commises dans I'ex^cution de leurs charges ; 
 mais que Sa Majesty ne peut autoriser le Govverneur-en-Chef 
 a sanctionner aucun Acte pour etabliT*rinddpendance des Juges, 
 contenant aucune disposition, ou d^tiiration d'aucun principe 
 de droit, Stranger a ce.sujet. 
 Chateau St. Louis, 
 
 Quebec* 26 Novembre 1832. 
 
 VJ 
 
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