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Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely Included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s A des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seuF cliche, II est fllm6 i partir de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'Images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 #■ i • FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. A SKETCH OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS or THE RECIPROCITY TREATY: WITH AN EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICES RENDERED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH BT THOS. C. KEEPER, C.E. TORONTO: PRINTED BY LOVELL AND GIBSON, YONGE STREET. 1863. I RISE AND PROGRESS or TBI RECIPROCITY TREATY. During the Session of Parliament, held in Toronto in 1857, a Committee of the House reported in favor of paying the sum of £16,000, in addition to former contributions by Canada, to- ward the expenses incurred in connection with the Reciprocity Treaty. Three-fourths of this sum were then paid without relieving some gentlemen in, or connected with Canada, for moneys advanced, or liabilities incurred for the same object ; and also leaving unpaid the greater part of my account for work done on behalf of Reciprocity. As the subject is again be- fore the country, in the Estimates, I desire to explain this account for the satisfaction of the Government and Parlia- ment, as well as I am enabled so to do after the lap.se of so xnany years. There has been doubtless much honest incredulity with respect to the (to us) large sums alleged to have been ex- pended apparently in connection with the making of a few reports to Congress : or to the fact that a subordinate agent of the United States Government should have assumed such heavy personal liabilities, unauthorized by either of the contracting powers. With respect to the first, it must be remembered, that as colonists we know comparatively little about treaties, — secret service appropriations, — or the ex- penses attendant upon procuring legislation in countries where the Government does not control the Legislative bodies : and as to the second, diplomacy so often partakes of the char- acter of systematized deception, that an inexperienced agent may easily mistako oncouragomrnt for authorization. In justice to one who is not the first that has experienced public ingratitude, I embrace th(; opportunity, wliile explaining my own services, to give a sketch of the rise and progress of the movement whi(;h terminated, I think I may say unexpectedly to most persons, in the Reciprocity Treaty. The repeal of tiie British corn laws and timber duties, left Canada without a market ; for P'.ntrland had not taken the pre(!aution when about, by this rep< .1, to transfer from Montreal to New Vork that trade which she had so recently been en- deavoring to attract from New Vork to Montr(;al — to secure for us the markets of the United States, which would have gladly been granted as a consideration for her own. On the 12th of May, 1846, our legisln.ture addressed the Queen, praying that in the event of United Stales grain and breadstufis being admitted free into Great Britain, a like privilege for th(.' export of these articles from Canada into the United Stales, should be ol)lained : but in her newborn zeal for free trade, the mother country was too consistent to stipulate for any Reciprocity. To facilitate the trfmsfer to New York, and destroy tlie trade of the St. Lawrence, Congress, in 184G, passed a drawback-law, permitting Canadian bonded export and import through United Stales territory. The profits of this trade to the merchants, carriers, and canals oi New York, induced those powerful in- terests to look favorably upon the more extended system of Reciprocity — while their abstract politicians, viewing Canada as abandoned by England, <;n(!Ouraged the movement as tend- ing toward annexation. The late Hon. W. H. Merrill, on the other hand, regarding Reciprocity as almost the only antidote to the effect of the new commercial system upon Canada, and the only refuge from annexation, look the lead by introducing his celebrated Reciprocity resolutions in the Provincial Parlia- ment, on 1st July, 1847. Mr. Hincks, in the Pilot denounced this movement as "preposterous" — a "crotchet" of Mr M's and declared that he had " no faith whatever in the principle of Reciprocity." Following up the question with his usual energy, Mr. Merrill procured a ilelegalion lo Washington, and ihe next year Mr. Grinneil introdueed a Bill lo accept tliis prof- fered Reciprocity, which passed the House of Representatives witlioul opposition. New Eni,'land and the Lower Coh)nies, however, viiiwed this as a Canadian and New York measure only, which did not provide for their interchange : il did not, therefore, enlist the entire support of the British Minister, while the American government was positively hostile to the scheme. The United States Consul at St. Johns, N. B., at this lime, was Mr. 1. D. Andrews, a native of Eastporl, Maine, who had been engaged in early youth in frontier trade, which consisted more or less of smuggling. When a boy, and recpiired by his employer to work all night at this contraband traffic, he was struck with the absurdity of two peoples, with the same language and customs, and separated only by an imaginary line, being obliged lo conduct their exchanges m this manner, and early became an advocate for free trade with the Colonies. As Consul he had, in 1845 and lb46, been in corres- pondence with Mr. Buchanan, Secretary of State, anent tlie colonial trade, with particular reference to the coming changes in the policy of Great Britain — suggesting that ♦he United States should take advantage of the same to strengthen their relations with the colonies. After Grinnell's bill passed the House, Andrews was ordered to Washin'. on to confer with the Secretary — then engrossi.'d with the Me^ ican war — about it. He opposed the measure as too narrow, urging that it should be a general one to secure the right to the fisheries, and the free navigation of the St. Lawrence and the St. John ; and was requested to explain his views lo V ebster, Calhoun and other Senators. In consequence of this action the Bill was arrested in the Senate. In 1849, Canada passed her Reciprocity Act and sent Mr. Merrill to Washington ; — but the Bill was again lost in the Senate, and, because it was defeated there, the President re- fused lo lake the measure up under the treaty making power. In July, 1849, Andrews was appointed by Clayton, then Secretary of Slate, special agent to visit Canada, and the Lownr Colonies " to (rollecl stiitistinal information relalinpf to the history condition, and future prospects of these colonieB, &e." I was not at this time in the service of the Govern- ment. In IH16 and 1847, under the idea that what is riirht is always expedient, I opposed some local jobs to the success of which it was n;;eessary I sjiould — as the engineer in cliarji^e — be made a party. The (Jovernment at one time wen; reduced to a inaj»)rity of one, which majority, representing the well understood wishes of the people, required me to carry out a measuri', for his benefit, which was opposed to the interests not only of the public, but of his constituents. TIk! (iovern- menl oHicially instructed me to do my duty, — but J w:is privately advised that they expected it to lie on the side of their majority. I expressed my readiness to obey any <»rdei, but slated that if the resp()n>ibility was put upon me, I must aet according to my view of the case, — and did so. The re- sult was that the work was suspended. The new el<;ctions brought a new (Jovernment — a larger majority, and largr'r jobs in my district. I had been nuuih commended by the gov- erning party, when Ikeij were hi opposition^ for itiy course under their predecessors; and to avoid any similar dilficulty in future, they took the precaution to remove me, with assurances of distinguished consideration, before the matter of //ir/r jobs was entered ujKm. On this occasion two Members of Parlia- mtrnt, instead of one, wished me out of the way — and in obe- dience to the well understood wishes of the \ivo\Av ^ an ex pr can- ed through their representatives^ my seven years eoimection with the public service was, happily for me, closetl in IH4H. Mr. Andrews, on his arrival in Canada, addressed himself to the late Hon. W. H. Merritt, wIk* had joined the (iovern- ment in IH 19, and by him was refern^d to me, as a person who might aid him. I was then engaged upon questions of ( om- merce, Tolls and Transportation, with a view to comj)ete for the Elgin prize for an essay on the Canals of Canada : — and was at the same time writing the " Philoso|)hy of Railways," at the reciuest of the President of the Montreal and Lachine Road. From September, 1849, until April, 1850, I was in correspond- cnco with Andrews, [sff apix-ndix A.J furnishini» him with rr- liirns of trade, tonnai^'o, <*anals, &c., winch I had collected from orit,MnaI Canadian and American sources — our own trade returns not havuig as yet been systematically commenced, and the few statistics published not Ix-ini,' wholly reliable. In January, 1850, a Keciprocily Bill was reported to the House of Kepresentatives, from the Comuiiltee on Commerce at Washington, and recommitted in March, with a view to provider in it for the free; navigation of the Si. Lawrence, In May the Committee reported on this d in envc.'lopoM Irom tiie Inspe(;tor (icne- raPs Ollicc. All the collecttors responded promptly, and in February I went to New V'ork and remained there until April, working at the report, but did not complete it until alter my return. Andrews refers to the manner in which his statistics was procured when he says, in pai^c^ 12 ol' his Keport : — " 'I'he returns have been carei'ully compiled not only Irom otficial documents, but Iro/n trustworthy private sources . and in this connection, the undersigned gratefully expresses his oblii^a- tion to Thos C. Kekfkr, Kscj., of Montreal, for his contribu- tions respecting the resources, trade and iionuuerce of Canada ; " and on paj^e 405, he acknt)wle(lgcs the large map of the Valley of the St. Lawrence which I prepared for his Report. In this report I took the opportunity, on pages 426, 427, and elsewhere, to draw attention to the same deficiencies in our Canadian statistics which I had the year before so unsuc- cessfully brought under the notice of our (iovernment — con- fident that this course would now prove efiectual. The volume of our trade returns for 1853, which was published next after the appearance of Andrews^ report, accordingly contains half a dozen new tables, bearing on the deficiencies, while the two volumes which followed next after my letter of 1851 took no notice of them ; indeed, in 1852 there is one table less than for the preceding year. The proposed emendations were not without honor, save m our own country. A member of the Executive wished to read the report before it was sent to Andrews, antl returned it with the following note : — 10 MoNTRBAL, April 14, 1852. Dkab Keefbb, — I return you the report, which F think excellent. Of course you will keep a copy ; this is requisite, for I would not be surprised if something happens to prevent its publication. I Iiave no great faith in Reciprocity being carried. The want of faith expressed in the postscript is explained in the following extract from a note received a week after- wards, from another member cf the Executive in Quebec : — " As for Reciprocity, I will endeavour to carry out your suggestions. ♦ * * * (f ^jjg American Goverment chose to interest itself the thing could be done." Our Executive saw that the American Government took no interest in the question, and hence despaired of suci;ess. No progres.s had been made in 1851 ; and in 1852 — although the Chamber of Commerce of New York had asked Congress to obtain Reciprocity, the fisheries, and the free navigation of the St. Lawrence, and the Committee of Commerce at Wash- ington had presented a report on colonial trade — further action was arrested by " a spec of war." Mr. ilincks, in 1851, had gone to Washington in the hope of getting passed the original measure, — that referring to Canada alone — but failed ; irritated thereby, he suggested coercive measures — closing of the canals to American vessels, and a prohibitory duty on American manufactures ; and joined the railway delegates from the Lower Colonies, assembled in Toronto in June of that year, in taking steps to protect the fisheries — from whence dates the foundation of the Canadian Navy. The only notice these movements attracted at Wash- ington, was that Webster told Sir Henry Bulwer these " petty annoyances on the part of the Colonies must cease " before he would resume negotiations, and Sir Henry immediately telegraphed Lord Elgin. In Canada they were considered to be as powerless as they were insincere. Mr. Merritt had therefore proposed that Great Britain should be asked to levy the same duties against the United States as the latter levied against Canada. The Whig ministry in England had turned a deaf ear : i U to the complaints by the Lower Colonies of the encroach- ments of American fishermen ; but on their fall, in 1852, Sir John Packington, who had just demolished Mr. Hincks' railway scheme, unexpectedly came to his aid in the Reci- procity matter, by taking up the cause of the Lower Colo- nies, and a British fleet appeared on the fishing grounds in 1852. So far was this from expediting negociations, that the United States Senate treated the movement as a threat, and refused to legislate under duress, while in the House the chairman of the Committee on Commerce refused to report a bill nearly matured. Even Webster, the Secretary of State, who was known to be favorable to a treaty, declared the fishermen should be protected, '' hook and line, bob and sinker :" and an American steam frigate was forthwith despatched to do this. Notwithstanding these demonstrations, the British Admiral, Seymour, and the American Commodore, Perry, exchanged compliments instead of cannon balls, and it turned out that the former had been instructed not to enforce the British construc- tion of the fishery convention of 1818, but to let matters go on as they had been for the past seven years. Things being thus made pleasant, the authorities at Washington consented to resume negotiations, and in December, 1852, and February, 1853, President Fillmore sent messages recommending a con- vention to embrace Reciprocity, the fisheries, &c. ; but Everett, who became Secretary of State on the death of Webster, only proposed that Congress should admit Provincial fish duty free on condition that United States fishermen were admitted to full participation in the Provincial fisheries. This was done in order to throw the onus of any trouble arising out of the fishery question upon Great Britain, and to evade Reciprocity with Canada altogether. In March, 1853, Pierce became President, with Marey as Secretary of State, and Buchanan as Minister to England. The latter proposed to tran-fer the whole question to England, and ottered to take Andrews with him as an attache. This he opposed successfully, and was sent to the President, by whom he was requested to put his views in writing, which he 12 did with much ability and effect in May, 1853. In July, he was again sent for, and in August accompanied the Secretary and the British Minister to Berkley Springs, where a projet for a treaty was arranged, pnd the first real progress made. Before leaving Washington with these instructions, he was sent for by the President, who expressed much interest in his mission, and desired to be kept advised of his progress. An- drews took advantage of the interview to express his own sentiments — " that no attempt should be made to drive a bar- gain with the Colonies, but that they should be treated in the most liberal and considerate manner " — and said if these were not the President's views, he would rather not accept the charge entrusted to him. The President assured him of his approval — and the following extracts from his instruc- tions, not only shew the important part played by Andrews, but the extent to which his views had at length been adopted by the Cabinet. "The duty ia an important and delicate one, and requires the exercise of discre- tion, vigilauee, and cou^tant iipplicatiou. On this subject I have h;id full and frequent conversations with you, and have possessed you with the views of the Governroeni on this interesting and important subject. "You are acquainted with the history of the negotiations between this Govern- ment and Great Britain and the Colonies, and will not fail to explain in a proper manner to the leading colonists the causes which have retarded its progress. Yon are also intimately acquainted with its situation at tlie present time, and the advance, I hope, it has made since committed to my charge. " You are aware that a jjrojet of a treaty has been quite lecently prepared by me, and submitted to the British Government with a brief dispatch, which is, .as you know, the first oflfer ever made in this form on this question, and, whether accepted or not, will undoubtedly form the basis of a permanent treaty. " Your position as an officer of this Government, residing for several yeur* in the Colonies, and your acquaintance with the principal colonial officers, and your acquaintance with colonial trade, and that you have on several occasions been employed on important and confidential services by this and the Treasury Depart ment on various matters relating to colonial interests, will, it is believed, aid you in carrying out the views of the Department, and enable you to report on those matters in which the Government feels a lively interest. " The Government is aware that the Colonies are not agreed nor united on the question of reciprocal trade and the fisheries, and that a treaty which would be satisfactory to Canaila might not be acceptable to the lower Colonies, particu- larly New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 13 ^ "The Ooverament ia not unmindful of the necessity of having this treaty accep- table as far as possible to all the Colouies, being desirous that this, the first treaty made with Great Britain with entire reference to the Colonies, should have the effect of settling the various conflicting questions now at issue between the Colo- nies and this country, and not only incroasirit,'the commercial intercourse, mutually advantageous, but to stimulate and extend an increased regard and interest for this country and its institutions. " Although the feelings and sympathies of a people smnetimes follow in the same channel with its trade and commerce, and while it would he gratifying to see tuch a result in this instance, you are fully aware of the circumstances attend- ing the early settlement of the Colonies, their past relations with Great Britain, and the exertions of that power to influence the public feeling there with a view of always having a permaneat control over the local concerns and political opinions of the colonists. " You will therefore in a proper manner confer with the most influential men in the Colonies to express the interest this Government has in their advancement, and its wish to increase and tighten the bonds which unite the two countries." Although a treaty was agreed upon in August, 1853, it was not secured until June, 1854, — the assent of every Colony and of Congress being first necessary. There was a strong feel- ing against it in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick ; and Congress was doubtful. Andrews was as active and efficient in the lower Colonics, where he was well known, as in Con- gress — the legislative navigation of which he thoroughly understood. His continued activity, in connection with the Treaty, and the good service rendered by him, are evidenced by tlie following : — Government Emigration Okfick, St. Johns, May 4, 1854. My Dear Sir, I have been at Boston to meot Andrew.-; •. thence we went to Halifax by mail steamer, and now we are here, having come across Nova Scotia vid Windsor. Matters are beginning to look like a treaty — things are coming to a head at last- In order to discuss the terms of the proposed treaty with the United States, a meeting of delegates from each Colony is to assemble at New York the last week in this month. Lord Elgin will then have arrived, and will probably attend — very likely Mr. Crampton also. Andrews has done good service in getting dele- gates appointed, and smootliing many difficulties, both here and in Nova Scotia. In these two Colonies the objections principally exist. M. H. PERLEY. T. C. Keeper, Esq., Montreal. In consequence of numerous difficulties and delays, the bill giving effect to the Treaty could not be brought up for its 14 final passage until about two hours before the adjournment of Congress ; and a ten minutes' speech, or the opposition of a single member, would have killed it. It eould not have borne discussion, for the chief inducement to the union was the fisheries, which many claimed as already theirs by treaty and usage. The Eastern States and New York miglit benefit by the fisheries and the trade with the Colonies; the West was passive, on account of the free navigation of the St. Law- rence ; but Pennsylvania was hostile to the admission of Nova Scotia coal ; and the Southern and Middle States claimed that sugar and tobacco — their agricultural products — should go into the Colonies free. But so admirably had Andrews made his arrangements, by anticipating, satisfying, or deporting opposition, that the measure passed in silence, — for even a word of advocacy would have destroyed it : and if then arrested, it could not have borne a year's consideration by the varying interests in the United States. It passed simply because the country was not prepared, on that last day of Congress, for such a possibility. After its passage, thousands of dollars — collected as duties in 1854 — were refunded to Canadian shippers. Lord Elgin closed his administration in triumpli. His Premier, who had denounced reciprocity when first proposed by Mr. Merritt seven years before, did not disown the credit which he ob- tained — like a vowel in prosody — l)y virtue of his position. The Governor General and the Colonial Delegates, the British Minister and the American Secretary, formed a tableau of political glory as brilliant and as deceptive as the variegated *' fizzle " which ends a theatrical performance — made their bow to an admiring audience and dissolved the long stand- ing partnership, leaving Andrews to wind-up the business — and pay the debts ! With respect to the expenses incurred by Andrews in con- nection with his reports — it may be observed that under his instructions of 1849, he was to be allowed his " travelling and other expenses during his absence " ; and under those of 1851, he was told that " the payment of all expenses for travelling. I 15 clerkhire, or contingencies of any nature, which may be incur- red, will depend on an appropriation therefor by Congress or by the Senate from its contingent fund." Under this last his debts were contracted ; and his misfortune was, that he had to present his accounts to officers and political parties different from those by whom he was authorized to contract them. The effect of such instructions was to encourage both recklessness and extravagance. To make a public officer personally liable for large disbursements until (perhaps his political opponents in) Congress reimbursed him, was to drive him to raise the necessary funds at high rates, and to extend and increase his indebtedness under the conviction that the more persons and the larger amounts he owed under such instructions, the stronger influence he would bring on Congress to secure pay- ment. The character of the expenses, so far as known to me, was as follows : The different branches of his report were placed in the hands of the most com|)ctent persons he could get to undertake it — who were brought together at one of the prin- cipal hotels, where parlors were taken for months. During this time, leading politicians, merchants and manufacturers, in passing through the city were invited to dine with An- drews and his coadjutors — on which occasion Reciprocity was made the subject of conversation, and advocated — informa- tion being given and objections to any point answered by some one of the party. Hesides this, articles were prepared and their insertion procured in the leading magazines and newspapers — in all of which Reciprocity was advocated, either directly or indirectly. The North American Review in Boston — Hunt's MerchanVs Magazine in New York, and De Bow's Review in New Orleans were thus enlisted. Some op- position and many prejudices arising from ignorance of the commercial system of the colonies were met and removed — and the quasi delegates really performed at these dinner tables a service as important as by their contributions to the re- port. Most men appreciate a good dinner, and Andrews pur- posely acquired a reputation for his. Thus men who could not be reached at other hours — but who must dine somewhere 16 — gave him his opportunity — for valuable and agreeable con- sideration. Where opposition to the Treaty was strongest, as at Buffalo, much perseveranec and discretion were used by Andrews to remove it, by visiting the places and people in person, and he was in every case successful. Reciprocity, which it was sup- posed could be brought about in six months, required more than six years, and while it lingered, the expenses ran up for want of means to put a stop to them, and by interest, dis- counts, &c. ; and above all by continued expenses required to keep the project popular before the varying interests in the Union. The latter offict; was not in the power of either of the contracting parties. The Government at Washington had not the control of Congress, or of the Press of the United States ; nor did they at any time desire them for the support of this measure. It required just such an enthusiast as An- drews — with his power of approacliing everybody, of appeas- ing everybody, and offending no one — to take the special over- sight of a measure which he prided himself on having con- verted from a Canadian to an Imperial (piestion ; with which he had so prominently identified himself; which he viewed and still views — with pardonable egotism but with much justice — as his own. The fact that through all the changes of Departmental heads and political parties, from 1843 to 1857, he remained nearly fifteen years in the service of the Govern- ment, proves him to have been no ordinary man. He has been censured by those he has been unable to pay : but Clay- ton, Secretary of State, in 1849, gave the President's endorsation to his " integrity, ability and prudence." Webster pronounced him " intelligent, active, and well informed," and just before his death, wrote him an official letter, acknowledging the re- ceipt of his despatches and concluding with the following words : " The zeal, industry and ability displayed by you in the discharge of your consular duties, and other important trusts confided to you by this Deparment, merit and receive its highest commendation." The best evidence of his patriotism in advocating Recipro- n of n It cily — as well of his contempt for money — is to be fonnd in the fact that when his great services were acknowledged by his being appointed Consul General for Hritish North America, he could, in addition to his salary of '^4000 a-year, have pocket- ed $3 on every invoice entered under the treaty from Canada; and this tax, levied from tlie commencement instead of a 20 per cent, duty, would not have been noticed or objected to. But so partial was he to the freest intercourse that he would not even appoint consuhir agents, or rccpiire certificates of origin, or any other restrictions, until compelled to do so in 1857 ; and then he did not authorize them to levy fees. His successor, as is W'cll known, took a different course, making thousands by it — until tiie outcry throughout Canada obtain<'d a reduction from %2 to 50c. per invoice. Andrews had it in his power to have made Canada ])ay every dollar of the debts he assumed on account of Reci])rocity, and the great mistake of his life was that he did not exercise it. In his appointment of consular agents also, he selected British subjects, in most cases, being unwilling to place us in the category of foreign countries. Th(^ moneys firsi; contributed by Canada to promote the treaty were supplied under the approval of the British Minister. Tiie interest which Andrews had in these contributions, was that which any man in his position would fake in having efficient allies to aid him in carrying through the measure to which he was so fully conunitted. When, however, he failed, after years of effort, to obtain his claims from his own Government, and Canada, (again on the recommendation of the British Minister) performed an act of tardy justice in contributing to relieve him of his debts — it is {|uite j)ossil)le that the whole of this was not devoted toothers, but that, ruined as he was, he may have appropriated a portion to his own pressing necessities ; which would only be partially recompensing himself for advances long before made. If, at the time the treaty was passed, he could have appealed to Canada to pay the obligations he had assumed, the money would have been raised by a general subscriptiont)f the people he had so nuich benefitted ; but 1 position prec B \fi roiirso, as liis well known scnj»iiivcne>rs, on any allusion to the ('anadian contributions, |)roves. This scnsitiv (juite clear that while press- ing his claims before Congress, or the Department at Wash- ington, any discnssion of them here would have been most d(!tri- mental. Moreover, the fact that he had received moneys, lioweve. legitimately, from us, would ruin him in the estima- tion of his countrymen, as they would inniicdiately connect the treatv with " Hrilish gold." Lastly, such a discussion might bringdown his creditors without at the same time |)ro- vi arc due — and I am happy in having again inioihcr oj)por1unily of being just — to Henry V. Poor (editor of ilic R, II. Journal), whose high (pialities are too well known lo mention here ; to Thomas C. Keefer, Escp, the accomplished and i)ul)lic-spirited Cana- dian Engineer; to M. II. Perlcy, Es(| , ojic ol the most intel- ligent public mt'i: in New Uriinswick ; lo .lohn L. Hayes, the able chief clerk of the Patent Ollice : to that greai Colonist, the lion. Joseph Howe, Provincial vSecretary of Nova Scotia, and lo Mr. N. Davidson, f)l' the Treasury Departiuent, so well conversant with the internal irad(' and resources of the coimtry." He has slated thai he has paid one ol the above nearly '^12,000 during the five years of his treaty labors ; and from this om; fact, and the long years during which the (pies- tion was left o))en, the magnitude of the oulla\ may be estimated. With rcl'crence to my acemuit, the (>\1racls from some of Andrew's letters to me, will give an indication oi the character of the services rendered — exclusive of those at Boston and New York, in 1850 and hS52. In printing them, as a neces- sary part of my own case, I have also given some })assages to shew Andrew's views and feelings at dillerent periods — his confidence in ultimate success, and his patience under suiTer- ings and aspersion. Possibly his necessities have driven him lo do, or omit todo what may have estrang(!d friends and perha|)s made enemies ; but this is but the history of every ease of 20 embarassmont. No ono would bo mor«! surprised than liimsolf !o find thciso extracts in print. If in taiving this liberty with bis correspondence, I have succeeded in cstai)lishing a better opinion of liim among those lor whom alone this publication is intended, I shall have done for him only what under the cir- cumstanees, 1 believe I would be expected to do ; and it is due to him to slate that I have not been in communication with him for nearly a year, do not even know his j)res(!nt address — and that he has never been advis(!d of the stej) I have taken, or of any intention to allude to him in any way. As to the amounts — the small sums received previous to 1857, were on account of disbursements made by me. For my own services I rendered no account. I uniformly assured him that I would not accept anything, unless it were paid by one of the CJovernments interested. VVHien 1 saw the great expenses he was assuming for an object so important to us, I deter- mined I would not increase his dilli(;uhies by personal demands. I knew that others, in the same relation to liim as myself, received thousands, and doubtless \ could also have obtained in 1852, his acknowledgments for double the sum which he proffered in 1857. The same time and attention bestowed on less important matters in my own profession, have earned me more than double the sum which he tendered me. The magnitude of his indebtedness to others stood in the way of his offering more, while both his inability to pay what he did offer, and my determination to leave the question of amoimt wholly to him, were reasons why 1 have taken no exception to the sum. In Sept. 1857, I received — in the form of paper which was not paid until 1861 — 25 per cent of the amount proffered by Andrews, after he had obtained nearly fifty times as much from our legislature. Believing that all which he received, and more, was required to relieve him of treaty debts elsewhere, I was willing to wait until the balance retained here was forthcoming — or until he succeeded at Washington. I felt that under the circumstances of my intro- duction to him — and the knowledge had by members of the Government of the services I w^as rendering, I could afford to 21 allow him to give the preference to those who w.;re either more needy or more importunate. Four persons were assembled at the Astor House, in Jan. 1862, preparing the Reeiproeity Report. One, Mr. Andrews, was, alter the passing of the trraty, made Consul-General for B. N. A., on account of his services, at a salary of $1000 a year, and perquisites of much greater value had he availed himself of them ; another, the late Mr. Pcrley, was also, in recognition of his reciprocity services, made H. B. M. Com- missioner for Ihc Fisheries, at £1000 stg. a year for himself, and £500 stg. for his secretary; a third, Mr. Davidson, was provided for in the Treasury Department at Washington ; the last two were also well paid for their - Jrvjces by Andrews. The fourth returned to Canada, asked for nothing and got it ! He has waited for more than ten years that Andrews might have an opportunity of paying for his work, and thus makrng It his own. In bringing forward his claim, -necessarily accompanied with much egotism, —now, when the subject is probably for the last time to be presented to the Legislature, he would only say that he believes the course he has^aken in relation to this matter will be approved, and that his just dues will not be prejudiced by his forbearance. Toronto, May, 1863. THOS. C. KEEFER. A P V [] X I) I \. A. EXTRACTS 1< KOM I.KTTKUs OF I. I). ANDKKWS TO TIIOS. C. KKKFI'.U, FROM iMtO TO lMGi>. \ri:ii\\Ti': ASh iosfiuestial] MoNTUKAL, October I'J, l>S4y. I Lave your f.tvoi- of the 16tli, and thank you for yoiu kind attfiitioii. I have alno to thank yuii for a copy »)f till' Uyiown llnzitle, of ll'.th itiHt., iiiul hopo to rt'Ct'ive tin' additional niuidjciH ooiitididug (I suppose) th«' reiiiainch'f of your report. Mi'NTiiKAi., Ootohor '2('>, ls4y. Plt-ase forward niu a iie\V8|iapor containing tht; i^tcond part of your valuable rtport, to 8t. John's, N. H. St. Johns, Novendx-r 'Jd, 1840. I thank you for iho ruiuiing nocount of tlic lake trade, which you sent me ftt Montreal, it liis l)ecn y>i ifreat s-ervice. Vou had better ^'athcr all you can about the inerouseii trade of the Lower Cnlonir^ with Canada, it will certainly be of great aeeoiint. St. Johns, December 20, 1849. Can yon nend ni.- a Btateiiieiit of the Ciinndian Cinmiercial Marine; I want it very much, and hope it contnins the L;ike Tonnage. Anything else about Canada will be valuable. Sr. Johns, February 4, 1850. I uni favored with yours uf lln' 'iSid ult., and the Mai ine statement. I am anxioua to get a correct statement in detail of the traffie on the Canaduui canals for 1^48 and 1849 ; or, if both years cannot be obtained, either year will answer. Also the amnunt of revenue, — and, if the detiuls cannot be given, an abstract and eomparative statcMnent for both years will answer. Did you get more revenue from Wellaiid C:inal in '49 th;in in '48 ? How much \ Have you any correct statements of thi' exports from Canada to the United Statis v'tn lake Champlain in '49. lumber, itc, itc. { if so send with otliers. Wmshinuton, Maich 30, 1850. T am greatly indebted by your kindiuss and attention, and have to acknowledge the receipt of your t'avor of 21 >t insf,. with valuable enclosure. Please enlighten lue about tlie Briti-h Lake Tunnage. u [In November and December I was with Andrews at the Tremont House, Boston, at work upon his first report made by order of the President.] Washington, December 10, 1850. Ask about Boiird of Trade movements. WAsniNGTON, December 23, 1850, I was favored with your's from Burlington, and thauk you foryour kind attentiou. Washington, January 6, 1851. You call my attention to the imports by aea. You will remember 1 spoke to you about it, and asked if Quebec and Montreal imports included those for Kingstou, Toronto, &c. : please give me the facta about this matter. I got some good statements from *****, and will thank you to forward to me those yoi; have gathered. I don't wish to flatter, but I have great confidence in your state- ments, and would like them exceedingly. If you can't attend to it. get one of your clerks to arrange them after hours, and I will pay him cheerfully. Sec the Secretary of the Board of Trade and Collector of Customs about my returns. Send me all the light )ou can and as soon as you can. Washington, January 0, 1851. 1 got yours with onolosure-s, and thank you. The Reciprocity Bill is made tlio special order for Tuesday fortnight, in the Senate-, and first Tuesday in February, in the House. If we can't do better is it best to take the bill without lumber f Send me all you can, and what you can. I am quite sure that there will be more discussion about the Reciprocity this year than ever bfforo, and none can say what the result will be- * * Write me all about your views. Washington, January 11, 1851. In lookint^ over my returns I came across the enclosfd, which are comparatively useless because imperfect. I find I have not the data to perfect them. I send them to you with the hope you will oblige me. If you can send them by i-eturn mail, it will be a biessiiig to millions yet unborn. Send me all you can and as fast as you can. V\'"AsniNGT0N, January 1.5, 1851 Give me all the light you can till I get over. Washington, Jnimaiy 24, 18.il, On the Reciprocity question I took high ground generally in my report, bui ***** was not up to it; wanted rae to alter it, which I refused to do. I must send you some money, and will do so ; the fact is ****» is so much engairod I can't get his ear, nor his cash. Washington, February 5, 1851. My report is now before the Secretary of the Treasury, and will go to Congress to-day or to-morrow; there will be a strong effort made for Reciprocity. Was^iiington, February 17, l.'-iol. Things look had to-day, nothing will be done. Neither tlie TarilF nor Ri-cip- rocity will go. 36 Washinqton, Marcl) 1, 1851. Reciprocity i'b " cold " for this session ; in fact nothing will be done but paas appropriations. I send you proof copy first of report. Washington, March 15, 1851. I shall pay you and **«•* ; so have faith : want of faith is peculiar to colonists. There is no other live colonist besides you who can cut up and get statements of trade, Ac, Ac, out of nothing. [Andrews being instructed to procure fuller and more re- cent statistics, under an order of the Senate, again visited Canada, and, at my suggestion, obtained the authority ol Mr. Hincks to the collectors to send special returns direct to him- self at New York.] Quebec, December 23, 1S51. I got enclosed from Mr. Hincks; make out a memorandum or form foi- the blank forms, and get them printed with the circular ; it would be well to have the circular on a separate sheet. ***** is making out for me a list of ports. Buffalo, January 18, 1852. Find out the quantity of fish received from the Lower Colonies at Quebec and Montreal, and the quantity sent up tlie river above. Find out how much coal Canada imported from the United States. How much corn does Canada take from the United States ? New York, January 23, 1852. Several of the collectors have responded, hope the others will do as well. I send all to you, for T have not time to examine them ; keep'ihe letters and en- velopes, the latter on account of the postage, the former to acknowledge. 1 believe the Canadian Western Railway has made annual reports for several years — some of them valuable — please look them up, and notice that road as it deserves. Do you know any one in Plattsburgh and Burlington who will give you a good synopsis and summary statement of total trade on Lake Champlain ? BosTO.v, January 26, 1852. I sent you from New York the other day copy Raili'oad Journal, and lota o^ documents "on Her Majesty's service." I will thank you to be particular to notice about coal to Quebec and Montreal from Britain and the Colonies ; also from the United States inland : also exact quantity of breadstuffs sent to the Lower Colonies and to Europe by the St. Lawrence. Boston, January 26, 1852. I have received from England a number of valuable returns. I have not time to examine"as they should be. I send them to you that they may be carefully looked over, and the best possible use be made of them ; Colonial first, Canada second. [I was with Andrews at the Astor House, New York, the whole of February and March, working at the second report, which I completed after my return, and sent to him from Montreal.] 20 New York, April 8, 1852. Send yunr report to my address, Washington. I think you Ijad better let your assistant extend the following tables in my report to include 1851— Nos. 58, 5*7. 46, 44, 42, 41, 88. If you think proper to extend the tables, incoiporate them in the text part of your report. New York, April 6, 1852. I got pretty good intelligence from Washington. You may send me the report to my addres.s here as soon as you plea.«e ; hope you will be able to E.xpress it by Saturday, but take a day or two more if necessary. Nkw York. April 10, 1852. I saw McLennan this morning ; he say& that map of yours shall be the handsomest lithography ever sent out from New Yoik. Please let one of your people ar- range this into superficial feet and send it to me— don't keep it long. If you have not the tonnage built in Giinada last year, us well owned and registered, get it and send to me. New York, April 20, 1852. r got your report and agree with *****, and think it excellent. Have the returns all made out as von named in your letter. I will send you the "tin." Read the enclosed, and say what 1 should do with it. Mhid this, we shaU- ;/et Reciprocity. Nkw York, April 28 1852. 1 advised you to go Washington : will you follow it ? Please let your man make up a statement of Canadian Imports and Exports (distinguishing the coun- tries) for 1840, 1845, 1850, and 1851. Nkw York, May 3, 1852. The Lake Trade bothers me * * address me here on receipt of this. J shall send you some tin soon as 1 get to Washington, perhaps before, and will make it all right. I wrote you for some specific returns of Canada, say something aftei- the manner of your blue books. Take my advice, send your brother to Lake Superior, and you go to Washington. I will make it right, and 1 have great hopes that I shall be able to make ****** ask Lord Elgin for you. You must help me manage, or advise me how to manage ; my idea is something like this : ***** does not care much about Reciprocity on account of some of his local schemes — because he wants a little local glory — yet, if there is a chance of its going, he would like to have it said '' I did it." Again, ***•, ******<*, «*** ****, and **** are all more or less in favor of Reciprocity as a leading uitMsure. particularly if **** don't succeed in Eng.and, and either of these would like "a good hunk of glory." Now I am nearly right I think, and more right in this — that you have done more for Canada, outside and inside, than the whole team ; and I am in favor of your making all the capital you can, indejiendent of everything else, and of every body. I am convinced that you can do more in a certain way in Washington, than all tiie rest. Turn this over in your mind and advise me how to act, and write me here on receipt of this. **** has been to Washington and returned; he says Reciprocity will not pass because it cannot bo touched, but it will pass if fairly before congress. [The last seven names in asterisks were then members ot the Government of Canada. 57 I The opinion of other competent observers as to the prospects of Reciprocity at this time, may be gathered from the follow- ing] :— GOVERNMKNT EMIGRATION OfFIOE, St. John's, May 5, 1852. My Dear Sir, — J left our friend Andrews at the Astor, on the lath April, and by telegraph yesterday I learned that he and Duviibon are still there. He does not seem to be able to get the Lake Trade fini^lied to his satisfaction, and you will probably have to go and put him straight, for it is a matter about which I know nothing, I presume Audrewa keeps you " posted up " about Reciprocity, which ju-it now, seems to be taking a new phase :it "Washington. It may come to a treaty after all ; it is lar more likely to bo accomplished in that way than in any other. Yours truly. M. H. PERLEY. T, C. Kebkkr, Esq., Montreal. New York, May 24, 1S52. Draw on me ai sight, National Hotel, Washington, for slOO, and send me the bill and I will provide in some way more tin. I got your returns ; how nicely you do things ! In yours of May 1st you say " I have had to overhaul and correct many errors, which caused much delay. The results will not correspond with my report, as I have obtained fuller information since." Do I understand by this that I have to make any corrections; I made the necessary corrections noticed in yours of the 19th and 20th inst., but can not make them agree with your com- parative statement of Canadian trade with all countries, on page :!9. That is with the United States. I cannot find No. 21, comparative statement of principal articles of import into Quebec in IS.'iO and 1851 ; also, No. 25, principal imports into Montreal, same periods. Washington, Julv 5, 1852. If you can send me the back numbers of returns do so. I shall do (I hope) well for you about money, soon as the report goes in. **** writes mo you have the map; send it back by lightning speed, we are only waiting for it. Washington, July 9, 1852. I got a proof of the map. 'y- is much liked, and I think you may well be proud of it, New York, July 19, 1852. Greatly disappointed that your pr< of is not here, what keeps it 'i For goodness sake hurry it on here, it is needed more than words can express. New York, July 19, 1852. 1 have just received from McLellan the North West part. The Bellisle part of the map, it, is very bare, — don't look finished. Can it hojixed^ New York, September Iti, 1862. ' hand you a cheque for s^lOO, will send you more. Congress printed 13,000 copies of my report ; this is considered very handsome. S8 New Y«»rk, September 23, 18^2. I am looking on at ••***'8 work with interest. *»*•* is opposed to any reta- liatory acti ; but mum. Washington, July 12, 1853. So you are in England. The tin is expected, and when it cornea you shall say what is right. I am glad to hear such good accounts of you, and hope it will always be so. You certainly deserve well of the Canadians, and of the world. I Bend by Express three setts of the maps. New York, Augu8t,ll857. I shall "fix" the money. In the original memorandum I put you down for one thousand pounds. Albany, September 9, ISSY. I have waited day by day for $8000 from Washington. I wish to arrange, if not more than partially, your matter. I have given ***** an order on the Government, and send you his acceptance for *1000 ; use It, it is good paper. Nkw Yoek, September 25, 1857. I really did not intend to send you the draft but the money, not as Benedict took Beatrice, " out of pity." I expected to receive 6 to )^8000 from Washington, it was on the point of being paid. New Yoek, October 24, 1857. I shall say the office [Consular Agency at Toronto] was placed at your disposal f. r Reciprocity services ; and God knows it was anything but an equivalent! Boston, December 21, 1857. In regard to **•****, let that matter [the protested draft] rest for the present. He has acted badly, but that is common since the days of the golden calf. New York, January, 1858. Should have written before, but hoped daily to have overcome the opposition Qf #*»*»«*«^ **** j^jjj *»**«»**^ and to have gone to see you, cap in hand. Like Brutus, I am a man of many griefs, therefore keep your bowels of generosity always full. I shall see you and arrange with you beforelyour Assembly adjourns Boston, March 23, 1858. I may tell you what I wish to do. To go to Washington next week, arrange matters, get out of debt, and have a breathing t^pell. BuSTON, April 12, 1858. Soon as I get South will fix your matters. Boston, May 7, 1858. I shall, please God, do my duty I hope you are increasing your worldly store, to you. Boston, May 20, 1858. Soon as Congress adjourns I shall see you. Washington, June 16, 1858. Congress has favored me by passing a resolution to have ray accounts settled, I am at work upon my accounts. Where is •*«****'e draft! s t9 Washington, June 23, 1858. I am engaged upon the interesting matter of settling my accounts. I shall take care of you to your entire satisfaction, before I finish. Before I get through with money matters of the treaty I intend to return the whole amount to Canada. Washington, June 26, 1858. I intend to do this as I have written, and you may say so to **♦* — to return every shilling of that money to Canada, and shall do it before I get through with my accounts here. New York, January 20, 1859. It is possible the treaty may come up this session, and I must be prepared— although I have no interest, yet there is no one else. Let me ask you if the Secretary of the Board of Registration has got out another volume since '51, '52. I notice he estimates the population of Lower Canada, 4 to the square mile, and 2y for Upper Canada. What is the bounding line of Upper Canada ? The Hud- son Bay Co. or the Pacific ? Can a statement of the trade of Canada for '58, be got out soon without much trouble ? Nkw York, February 20, 1862, I am gratified to know you got the money ; have asked ******* Beveral times but could never get any satisfactory reply. I gave him an order and a regular ofiicial assignment for the fuil amount upon the State Department, which he DOW holds. Nor have I for a moment failed to acknowledge my obligations to you — your considerate and friendly bearing, and your great and invaluable service in arranging the treaty. But what could I do? Clayton, Webster, and Marcy died ; ******* and ***** were politically hostile to me, as also to the treaty and no decent person could have foreseen or apprehended the ungrateful meanness of ****** and ****** -J besiiies, no one knows my responsibilities in the Lower Colonies. To ****** first and last, I think I must have paid near $12,000, which is only one case. I think I was short on the Report $10,0<)0 on account of delay and additional expenses, and with this load in the unjust shape of a personal debti I assumed the care and the management of the treaty. Ihe Canadian money which Mr. Webster had assured me should be contributed, came in buch a ques- tionable shape, cost so much, and came so lute, its influence was nearly destroyed. lam surprised myself at what I did — what a great work I accomplished — and yet no Colonist has ever said "thank yon." To you and H. V. Poor, I am under many obligations. What a heavy load I have for years borne ! I have been in jail several times — have often, often waiited a dollar, since I saw you, and have not been able to visit my brothers for several years ; have been abused, and my best motives impugned by those I have served best. I had no personal interest at stake, and yet, to either G( vernnient, the treaty was cheap at a million, if great results, peace, and great prosperity can be so measured. Let it all pass; let suf- fering in a good cause, and wrong doing, sleep in the same grave ; let '''***** flout his honors, and ****** pocket his money. Do , not address me any more as ■ Late Consul General." I did not apply for that or any othei office. My accountB still unsettled ; not a cent yet. 30 New York, May 1, 1862. I nm writing a paper about tlie treaty ; 1 do not know but it may be prema- ture, but for me I see uo otlier way. The treaty is attacked and no one to defend it, and when tliat is attacked so am I indirectly. I do not know how far or deep I shall go. I send you the three first forms, am p romiscd two more which you may get by tliis mail. I am doing it solitary — solitary and alone. Pray look it over and tell mo what you think, frankly, if you approve or disapprove. Washington, June 4, 1862. 1 send you under frank all I have done ; 1 do not exactly know what to do with it ; it is larger than I thought of or wished ; yet, 1 am told by several who have good judgement : "Print everything bearing upon the treaty." What do you think ? please correct this, as you please, and return it to nie. Spaulding of Buil'alo made a speech against the treaty, and stated tluit there is a discrimination upon your canals against Amerietui tonnage. I itresume it is not so, but please give me the facts. WAsniN(iT0N, June 17, 1S6'J. I tiiank you for your suggestions and corrections, and hope to profit by thoni. I am doing it all alone — in a Imrry, without a dollar, and otherwise under unfortu- nate circumstances. I send now all I have from tlie printer. On the wliole tell me how I have done it, and what you think of it. I hope you will not go to England until I finish it. W.vsHiNOTON, June '20, 18i)2. The Treaty gets knocked right and left, and no one to defend it but your humble servant. It is said you make discriminations against the Yankees on the Canals, how is that? If any thing recent is published, sliowiug the quantity of your agricultural products for last census, j)lease sentl it to me without fail, and if you are too much engaged please ask some one to do it. I need it severehj. Boston, February 26, 1856 Sir, — The undersigned beg leave respectfully to represent that they were appointed a committee by the Boston Board of Trade, to take the necessary measures to- wards colleeling funds for defraying certain expenses attending the negociatious of the recent Treaty of Reciprocity with the North American Colonies. They deem it proper to express their convictions, whicli are coirfirmed by the results already achieved, that this treaty is one of the most valuable to the com- mercial aud industrial interests of the country, ever made by the Government. Several members of the committee are conversnut with the history of the uegocia- tions, and the difficulties which had to be surmounted, before the treaty c nl'i ^e completed. Tiiey are cognizant of the years of service devoted to tlie subject by Mr. Israel D. Andrews, and they have to inform you that tliis city will contribute its quota towards relieving him temporarily from his present embarrassments, growing out of treaty demands, for which lie was obliged to become personally 31 i-oBpousible, and which your letter to him of December 4lh, 1854, informs us, were uot liquidated by tiie Qoverment. Mr. Androw8 has beeu taken to jail on one suit, and held on bail on several others, for those debts; and it is only justice to say, tliat lie has been kept iu Boston on compulsion, and thus prevented from a-suming his official position its Canada, or giving any attontion to his private matters. After a careful inventigation of his accounts, the committee are of opinion that they are just and proper; and we trust that Congress, by appropriation, will relieve liim from the opprobrium of not fulfilling his pecuniary engagements, made to advance a meueure so important to the country and so creditable tovour administration. A partial correspondence has already been opened with New York, Toronto, Oswego, Hiimilton. and other j)laees, in the liope that those cities, equally benefitted with Boston by the treaty, would gladly join in aiding this object. We have given this subject all the attention in our power, and regret that Mr. Andu'ws has been compelled to renuiin hen- jio long, but the very general belief that it was a legitimate claim, inciunbeut on the Govermuent to settle, and the earnest desire expressed by him to avoid publicity, have extended the time longer than was anticipated. Mr. Andrews pre-sents no claim for personal services, to the committee. Tlii Gontribution.«, so far. liave been appropriated to actual expenses. In conclusion, permit m, Sir, to congratulate you upon the beneficial results of •die Treaty measures, which are so liighly appreciated iu New York, New England, and the Great West; and to hope that tiie reciprocal commercial policy you liave tlm? iniuigiu'ated, may rapidly extend to our relations witii all foreign conntrie- We have the iionor to lie Y(Hir obedient servant>, SAM. LAWRENCE. GEO. R, BLAKE To His Excellency ENOCH TRAIN Tiie Tresidentof the United Stat.s. S. S. LEWIS c. MoNTRE.\L March -lO. 18.51 SlK, — Having given some attention to the trade returns of this country, and havmu had occa.sion to compare them with tliose of the Lower Provinces and the neigh bouring States, in which comparison, I am sorry to say, our official returns exhibit a poverty, looseness, and obscurity not to be found, 1 believe, in tliose of any other country professing to afford such information, T feel constrained to otftv a few suggestions with no other object than to elicit investigation, and lead the way to an early reformation, let. The exports from Quebec and Montreal do not shew the true relative business of these ports. Large quantities of flour exported by Montreal traders 32 is " lightered " down to Quebec io bftrgoa, there taken on board and credited to the exports of that place. In the publislied statenaent of exports the quantity 90 cleared at Quebec, in Montreal vessels, should be shown and credited to Montreal, If, in addition, the receipts "down the river" at Quebec could be kept as at Montreal, then the cunsuinptiou and local export at Quebec could be ascer- tained. The value of the timber export at Quebec should be separated from that of the ttgricultuial in all compiirative statements. •Jnd. The regulations of 18;)U, allowing boats to pmss to St. Johns without entry, no longer make the slatemenls of that port an index of the trade to Lake Cham- plain. The vnrious inland ports receiving and exporting via St. Johns should shew this trade, and a statement from them, made up in the head office, should be forwardinl to the collector at St. Johns, or added to that collectoi''s statement, by which means this trade could be ascertained as before. 3rd, Imports for inland ports via the St. Lawrence are not now ci edited to Montreal, but pass up under warrant without entry here. The exhibit of those inland portt; should shew this trade distinct from imports vid United States. Ith. As prices fluctuate, the quantities', (as well as the values of all articles) as far as practicable, should be given in imports and exports, under a reduction to a common denominatioH (not a mixture of bags and barrels, kegs and packages, Ions, tfec, as at present.) 5th. A strict ela^^sification, as detailed as possible, should ,be made and rigidly lulhered to, without which comparative statements are scarcely published in two consecutive years in the same words or under the same heads. 6th. The winter imports should be shewn, particularly foreign and other articles brought in by railway to Toronto vid Lewiston, Montreal, Prescott, liing.stou, and Niagara Frontier, in order that we may see the class of aiticles which can bear this transport. The same exhibit of our exports, whi-n the navigation is closed, is desirable. 7th. The registry of all inland craft should be compulsory, if for no other pur- pose than to ascertain our tonnage. Sth. A statement *)f nni)orl8 vid United States under drawback, and of exports by that route under debenture should be shewn ; the imports specifying the country from whence imported; tlie exports showing the destination, — which could probably be procured from American authorities only. 1 will now make a few remarks on the principal tables in the " Trade and Navigation " list published last year. No. 1. The quantities only, or the values only, of important articles are given, while both quantities and lotal values of comparatively unimportant ones are given. More than half the total value of dutiable goods are unenumerated. Both No. 1 and 2 should be added up to compare with No. 8, and should have ifimilar classification ; both tables should be more detaded in important items. No. 3. Should give the values of the different kinds of sugars, coffees, wines and liquors, tobacco, &c. No. 6. Should separate the expenses of Montreal, St. Johns, Quebec, and Gaspe,, and compare them with former years. 33 No. 7. The q>iniititics whoulil all Imve one (ler.driiiii.itinii (thus pickied lislr is given in ke^a, barrels, cwt , and caskn) und the riuuitllios f,o dili'.reiit cDuuirit,'.-' be shown aa well ns the value; the qii.iiitiiies hcing il.e nu;6t iii.jxntant, con- sidering that flour ranges so much in j)iice. Tliis tabic shonld be followed by one shewing the proportion exported by sea, by inlr.nd ports vtn St. Lawreiico Canal, and by inland ports mil New York Canals, with I ho Hinouut bfmded for export under debenture. No. 8. Shculd be more detailed, «hcw i^iomllties from difTerent muutriee, and the routes, as above, by which imported; and drawbmk imports. No. 9. (QiieVjfo and Montreal for 18 i8 do not agren with st ntciiu' ts t'm i^aiiii.' year m appendix to I'oaid of Ut'gisti'alion and stnii-stics lopoit ) In the-e valneH soa and inland imports thould be scp.uated, and an additional table sliewini;' values of "drawback" imports at llio.si' ports where th'^sc are made. Tables No. 14 and 2i) come under the consideration of tolls and transit returns and regulations which are in a still worse condition. I will merely say here thai No. 14 should give the revenue and expenditure on each work, and that No. '2(i i,« worthless ; a'l the cordwood seowed from shanty to shanty along our canals is mixetl up with our own lumber exports, and traiisit of foreign do., and staves. The up and down trade arc jumbled together, as also the through and way trade. This table should show the ihronrih trade, down and up, separate from all others, Hud the Canadian from the American. IJut 1 consider that neither of these tables, unless a mere revenue statement, belongs to the customs returns; I hope to see the business on our canals shewn in the fulb'st manner, the movement of every article up and down, and tiie tolls paid by that article. Considering that our collectors of customs and tolls have fron) four to six months of comparative inactivity, we ought to present the most complete and satisfiictoiy statement of our trade, foreign and transit, wdiieh a system is capable of. We only require that system to be established by thosi' in authority. I h.ave hastily alluded to those questions which I can now call to mind. J do not pretend that what I have suggested is the best, I rather wish to draw attention to the evil in the hope that the best way to correct it may turn up. I think one of the most intelligent of tlie subordinates from the larger custom houses should be called in to aid in the compilation and arrangement, perhaps from Quebec or Montreal, as having been under the imperial regulations so long, and as possessing a direct foreign trade to instruct the employe. The question of canal tolls and returns is quite different from that of our customs, and would require a separate letter. Our rates of toll rf quire revision, and an enquiiy into tht; best means of protectii:g the canal revenues from fraud by shippers, or laxness cm the part of the collectois, would not be amiss. r have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servnut, TIIOS. C. KEEPER. ******* itc,