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Tous las autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commen^ant par la premlAre page qui comporte une em:3reinte d'impression ou d'illustration at en tvrminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants appara^tra sur la darnlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: la symbols -^> signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols Y signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmte a dea taux de rMuction diffArents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clich*, 11 est film* A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagas nAcessaira. Les diagrammas suivants iliustrent la mAthode. ita lure, ] 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 }} MEMORIALS, DOCUMENTS AND AFFIDAVITS, •ADMITTED TO TBB EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT BT RUGGLES WRIGHT, ESQ. WnB RBrEBUrCB TO HIS SLIDES AT THE CHATS AND CHAUDIERE, oa TBI OTTAWA RIVER. '^UEAU >x. V LIBRA IRKS,^ I 27 R'je Buade, y'f iS^ty fRatitxtal : rBIBTEO BT X.OTSLL AND aiBSON, 8AIKT NICHOLAS STKBET. 1849. • . •"- i » INDEX ^^^^^^^i^^^^^/^^^^^v^ ; 1 Petition to Governor General • Letter to Mr. Duly 8 Incomp of Slides 11 Affidavit of Jason Gould IS Do. of D. F. McLaren 13 Do. of John E}i:nn 13 Letter from Simon Hill 15 Do. from Wm. Stewart 16 Do. from Hiram Colton 17 Do. from Gilinour & Co 17 Do. from Jainos Deacon 18 Do. from Ediriund Edcy 18 Affidavit of John Poiiparc 19 Letter to D. B. I'upinoau 20 Do. to L. r. J)ri!inniond 24 Do. to Hon. r. AfGill 26 Memorial 29 Do 33 Letter to L. T. Dnuninond 36 Do. to the Governor Gi noral 37 Do. from Boar.l of Works 43 Letter to Board of \^'orks 43 Do. to John Eptn 43 Do. to Board of Works 45 Do. from Boar I or' Works. 46 Do. do. do. 46 Do. to John Ei>an 47 Memorandum 54 Deed of Separiition ,.. 55 Letter from Jolm V.vim 59 Do. to do. ... 59 Do. from do 62 Do. toBourdof W.-Us 63 Award Letter to Governor General , Petition to the three Branches of the Legislature , Letter from T. A. Begly ^, Petition to Governor General, in Council Letter from Samuel Keefer, Petition to Governor General, Letter from T. A. B«'gly, .. 63 .. 64 .. 69 .. 71 .. 78 ...89 ...90 ...91 COPY OF PETITION OP RUGGLES v .IIGHT, TO THE GOVERNOR GENERAL, DATED 6th APRIL, 184^. To His Excellency the Right Honourable James Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Governor General of British North America, S^c. Sfc, Sfc* The Memorial of Ruggles Wright, of Hull, in the District of Montreal) in the heretofore Province of Lower Canada, Esquire, ^ Humbly Shewethj That the late Philemon Wright, Esquire, the father of Your Memorialist, emigrated to this country in the year 1800, (when Your Memoralist was ahout seven years of age,) and proceeded up the River Ottawa, 120 miles from Montreal, and 80 miles beyond any settlement at that time, to the Township of Hull, where he settled himself and family, and became the main instrument in support- ing and bringing forward the extensive settlement in that section of the Province. That Your Memorialist, with his father and family, suffered great privations and hardship in aiding and assisting the formation of this settlement, in consequence of the want of Roads and other improvements of a public nature; and also expended heavy sums of money in establishing both temporary and permanent Roads, Bridges, &c., to enable themselves and others to carry on trade and business in that section. B ^ 6 Tlmt Your Memorialist has since, in connection with his family, carried on agricultural, commercial and lumbering bu<^iness, extensivelj, and from the numerous difficulties met with by the lumberers in descending their Timber down the Rapids aiid Falls, it was next to an impossibility to get all the Timber to market the same year it had been manufactured. That after mature con- sideration, with a view to facilitate the Lumber opera- tions. Your Memorialist did, in the year 1829, construct and erect an inclined Plane or Slide near the ** Chau- diere" Falls, at very great expense, and the passing of Cribs of Timber to the foot of the Falls was thereby afterwards effected in perfect safety. Your Memorialist would observe, that, before this Slide was erected. Cribs of Hardwood Timber and Staves were broken up at the head of the Falls and drawn past by means of teams, and wire then re-rafted below the Falls at an enormous expense; whereas, by means of this Slide, these and other descriptions of Timber were enabled to pass through in Cribs at the rate of .'s. for each Crib; and further, Your Memorialist hereby declares, that he was the sole and first inventor of this inclined Plane or Slide, and that there wjis none nt that time in this or any other country he had ever heard of for such purposes. That Your Memorialist, since that period, has ex- pended a further and much larger amount in construct- ing and erecting other inclined Planes or Slides upon his own property at the " Chats," extending through a rocky country, a distance of about three miles, which is equally beneficial to the Lumber Trade. That Your Memorialist submits that it is a case of extreme hardship to him that Slides should have been erected in 1846 by the Board of Works, at the " Chau- di^re" and " Chats," also when his Slide at the "Chau- di^re** did then afford ample facility fur the trade at the- former place; and Your Memorialist is led to believe that the Slide erected by tlie Board of Works at the " Chats," was undertaken only some time after Your Memorialist had completed his arrangements for the building of his own Slide on his own property at the " Chats." Your Memorialist begs to call Your Excellency's attention to the Tariff dated at Montreal the 10th MarcL^ 1847, regulating the Slide Tolls upon the " Ottawa," wherein Your Excellency will perceive that Your Memo- rialist will be under a great disadvantage, inasmuch as it prevents any competition at the "Chaudi^re" and " Chats" Slides, and in consequence of the terms of this Tariff for the Slides above, a difference to the extent of 2s. 6d. en each Crib is made in favour of the Slides erected by the Board of Works, and to the detriment of Your Memorialist, in the same run for each Crib, which, if persisted in, must terminate in the ruin of Your Memorialist, (who is the only person having Slides on the Ottawa,) as he is aware he cannot compete with the Board of Works; doubtless Your Excellency is aware that the Province has borrowed large sums of money on its security, to enable the Board of Works to carry out their improvements, and for which Your Memorialist's property, in proportion with others, is a guarantee, and it is therefere not to be presumed that this money or any part of it was to be expended in opposition or as a check to individual enterprise. Your Memorialist, therefore, prays Your Excellency may be pleased to take the premises into consideration, and the justice of establishing a uniform rate of 5s. for each crib passing through the " Chats" and " Chaudidre" Slides unconditionally as heretofore; so that Your ^^ i 8 Memonilist, the inyentor of the Slide, may be placed npon the same footing with the opposition Slides, erected by the Board of Works; and Your Memorialist further states, for the infornation of Your Excellency, that if it should be the desire of the Board to have the control of all the Slides on the " Ottawa," he is not inclined to oppose the wishes of the Government, and would therefore dis- pose of his Slides at the ** Chaudi^re" and " Chats," on receiving a fair remuneration. And Your Memorialist, as in duty bound, will ever pray. &'^: ';'«jt^! ; r ' .It^vi ' (Signed,) . RUGGLES WRIGHT, h> Hull, 6th April, 1847* rvr '^'i; : vv vji^; ?,3r*?Y?vt5 :" '!> ruv, Copt/ of a Letter addressed to Mr, Daly on the Zrd July, 1847, 'fi^r »■: •f^U' :W;/! / 'i ; i: ' MONTREAt, SrdJvfyf 1847. Sir, — I am instructed by Ruggles Wright, Esquire, whose Petition is now under the consideration of the Executive Government, to say that, with a view to avoid all further difficulties, he is prepared to accept J£25,000 currency for all the Slides he possesses on the " Ottawa,** although they are clearly worth a much larger sum of money. ' ", - ' ^ '' * If these Slides be purchased at this price the Govern- ment may reckon with certainty upon a return of from nine to sixteen per cent annually, as appears by the fol^^ lowing statement ; ^ . : ,„;!.•', ^'^ '^■-. !-;;V-^ivv i/ r .',; .,«. / '4'1' ■;. i ;5*;4>ij;i; i>f):yf^i 9 ••■ • In the year 1845, 8,263 Cribs passed cr through the Slide at the " Chaudi^re" Falls,yielding,at Bve shillings {ter Crib, £2,065 15 Had the Slide at the " Chats" Falls been in operation it would also have pro- duced, 2,065 15 ....,^,. ..U- . .:, ■<:.., :;.....- . .: ...;, 4,131 10 .. A return equal to sixteen and a half per cent or there- abouts, on the proposed outlay of £25,000. ; .^. In the year 1846— 6S86 Cribs passed ,, j through the "Chaudiere" Slide, yield- ing, at five shillings per Crib, ^1,721 10 The Slide at the " Chats," had it been in ... operation, would have yielded a similar .»; ;V amount, 1,721 10 ■'^ ■^ > •*i(. £3,443 A return equal to thirteen five-sixths per cent on a Capital of Je25,000. The average of the last two years may be fairly taken as a criterion of th'i probable produce of these Slides in future seasons ; but, lest it should be contended that there may be a falling off in the Trade, and that it would be more correct to take tha average of a longer period of years as a basis of calculation, Mr. Wright has in- structed me to accompany this communication by a state- ment of the produce of the " Chaudiere" Slide during the last eight years, which, adding a similar amount for the " Chats" Slide, will shew that even upon this unfa- vorable rule of probable calculation, the two properties united would yield an annual income of no less than ten and a half per cent. And it is evident that the Lumber Trade upon the *' Ottawa" has been rapidly increasing during the last four years, and that it is likely to increase b2 m 10 9tiII riore in consequence of the additional facilities af- forded by the recent improvements made upon that river. I would beg to add that when I obtained a judgment in 1845, dividing the property bequeathed by the late Philemon Wright, Esq., between Mr. Ruggles Wright and his brother's heir, Mr. R. Wright was compelled to give up some of the most valuable property in Canada, for the Slide at the " Chaudi^re'* Falls, and that since thai time he has expended £3000, in repairing and im- proving it ; he was also compelled by that judgment to abandon some hundred acres of good arable land for the lot through which the Slides at the " Chats'* rapids run, unavailable as it is for all other purposes. An important fact which I trust will not be overlooked, is that Mr. Wright began the works on the " Chats'* rapids about the same time the Board of Works commenced the Go- vernment Slides; he had entered into arrangements for the construction of his Slides long before the Board be- gan its operations, and at a time when it was generally believed that no Slides would be built by the Govern- ment at that place. These arrangements were made at the earnest request of some of the first houses engaged in the Trade, and were of a nature which compelled Mr. Wright to persist in carrying out his proposed undertak- ing, as I trust I shall be enabled to establish by satisfac- tory evidence. It may be well to observe, in conclusion, that Mr. Wright has been induced to offer these Slides at several thousand pounds below their value, solely because he does not wish to remain in a state of competition with a rival, possessed, as the Govcnment is, of the power to paralyze his operations, and to ruin him, if disposed to do so, beyond even a hope of redres" Should the Govern- meut resolve to effect the purcbi^^e, and yet entertain 11 doubts as to the propriety of giving the price demanded, Mr. Wright will be prepared to accept the estimate of three disinterested persons— one to be named by the Executive, another by himself, and the third by the two first named ; but in the event of a reference of this kind being determined on, Mr. Wright would consider him- self entitled to the full amount at which the property would be valued by a majority of the Arbitrators, even though their estimate should much exceed the sum which he now consents to take, in the same manner as a person threatened with litigation offers to compound, for the pur- pose of avoiding a law suit. No. 5. Annual income of Mr. Wright's Slides at the " Chau- di^re" and " Chats" Rapids, calculated upon an ave- rage of the last eight years. Year. Number of TolL Amount received during Cribs. the season. 1839 3,726 @5/ £931 10 1840 4,229 (i 1,057 5 1841 6,084 <( I,.52l 1842 5,541 tion, would have yielded a similar amount, 1,721 10 £3,443 Q A return equal to.l3|th per cent, on a capital uf £25,000 del AFFIDAVITS. Jason Gould, of the Township of Litchfield and Dis- trict of Sydenham, Canada East, being duly sworn, de- poseth and saith : That he has been engaged in the Lumber Trade on the Ottawa River and its tributaries for upwards of eight years past ; that he has seen the Slides recently constructed on the Ottawa River at the place called the '• Chats" by Ruggles Wright, Esq., of Hull, and that he considers these Slides to be well con- structed, and that they will be required by the trade, in addition to the Slides erected by the Provincial Go- vernment, on account of the great detention arising by the want of room for landing, and many other obstructions. (Signed,) "JASON GOULD.** Sworn before me the 9th day of July, 1847. (Signed,) 0. Bbrthelbt, J. P. 13 D. F. McLaren, of the Township of Litchfield and District of Sydenham, Canada East, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith : That he has been engaged in the Lumber Trade on the Ottawn River and its tributaries for upwards of eleven years past ; that he has seen the Slides recently constructed on the Ottawa River at the place called the " Chats," by Ruggles Wright, Esq., of Hull ; that he considers these Slides to be well situated and constructed, and that they will be required by the Trade, in addition to the Slides owned by the Provincial Government, on account of the great detention occasioned i>y the want of room for landing, and many other ob- Btractions. (Signed,) D. F. McLAREN. Sworn before me, 9th July, 1848. (Signed,) O. Berthblet, J. P. John Egan, of Aylmer, in the Township of Hull, Esquire, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith : That he is is one of the firm of John Egan & Co., and as such is and has been for several years past extensively engaged in the Lumber Trade on the Ottawa River and its tri- butaries ; that in the summer of the year 1845, several persons who were engaged in the Trade, and amongst others this deponent, requested Ruggles Wright, of Hull, Esquire, to construct Slides over his property at the " Chats," on the north side of the Ottawa, for the pur- pose of facilitating the passage of Lumber from the " Chats" to the Chaudi^re Lake ; that this deponent was induced to urge the construction ot these Slides the more earnestly from the knowledge he had obtained of the advantages of the locality which he had surveyed,, 14 I*- ■ with a view to having a canal opened to connect the two lakes, and also on account of the inefficiency of Bu- chanan's Slide on the opposite side of the rapids, at the time; that this deponent, although he had no pecuniary in- terest in the matter, but solely with a view to facilitate the Lumber Trade generally, assisted Mr. Wright in procur- ing a loan of money, and actually made arrangements with Mr. George B. Symes, of Quebec, so far back as the month of July, 1845, by which the latter agreed to lend Mr, Wright a sum of £3,0()0, to be employed in construct- ing the Slides in question. ; •;■'.: v That this deponent is persuaded that Mr. Wright had no reason to believe, when he made the arrangement in question, that the Board of Works were about to con- struct a Slide at the ** Chats," on the south shore of the Ottawa. That having entered into the arrangements above alluded to, and purchased tools and materials and pro- visions, to carry out the undertaking during the Summer and Autumn Season, of the year 1845, Mr. Wright could not have abandoned the enterprize without sustaining loss; and moreover, this deponent is of opinion that the Slides constructed by Mr. Wright at the " Chats,'* are required by the trade, in addition to those constructed by the Government at that place. That Mr. Wright's Slides, as well as the entrance to them, are safe at all times, while the rapids through which Cribs must pass to enter the Government Slides, are difficult and dangerous in stormy weather. And fur- ther, this deponent saith not, and hath signed. (Signed,) JOHN EGAN. Sworn before me at Montreal, 7thdayof July, 1847. (Signed,) D. Massou, J. P. Letter from Simon Hill^ dated Hull, 26th August, 1847. RuGGLES Wright, Esq. Dear Sir, — Having just seen Mr. Graham, Collector of Government Slide Dues, I take the earliest oppor- tunity to apprize you of the same, agreeable to promise, and regret to say, that he would make no deduction in consequence of my Rafts passing through your Slide at the Chaudiere, but insisted on my paying the same rate as if I had passed all the Government Slides, with the exception of one raft I passed on the north side of the Portage DuFort, that he allowed the deduction of 2s. 6d. per Crib. I offered to pay him the usual TariflP for the Slides I passed through, and that I would leave it to the decision of the Executive, whether I should pay Govern- ment for the slidags of the Timber at the Chaudiere that I passed, through your Slides ; he said he could do no such thing, that I must settle for the whole. This I consider to be unjust ; that the Government might with the same propriety build steamboats to run between Quebec and Montreal ; if it was not convenient for me to take a passage in their boat, and should take it in another, I would be compelled to pay the fare of both; this is a new feature in the transaction of business in this country. Prior to my leaving for Quebec, I will call and settle for the slidage of my two rafts. I consider, although compelled to pay Government, I received an advantage by passing your Slides, more than sufficient to remune- rate me to pay your slidage, and that of the Government. I remain, Your obedient servant, (Signed,) SIMON HILL. 16 Copy of a letter from William Stewart, dated Montreal, September Ist, 1847. My Dear Sir, — In reply to ycur enquiries of me, ** if it would be advantageous to the Lumber Trade to " have Slides at the Rapids on the Ottawa, on both sides "of the river?" I reply without hesitation, that I think and believe it would be of the utmost convenience to the Trade, and in* crease the facilities of descending timber, (entirely irrespective of the rate which should be charged for slid- ege,)andl base my opinion upon twenty years experience. A rivei* like the Ottawa, Huctuating in its rise and fall, from 12 to 18 feet, during four or five months — it will occur to any one versant with the Timber Trade, the advantages of having facilities of passing Timber through quickly, — ^besides, the safety it ensures parties interested. For instance, when the water is high, and a large accumulation of Timber takes place at the head of anySlide^ the fastening of "^imber, one outside the other, when from storms, or the breaking up of ropes or chains, (as you must have often experienced,) the losses have been serious. Whereas, by dividing the quantity by passing on both sides, this can be avoided ; and an increased facility given in landing, sliding, and banding up Timber. I look upon it, that every detention at the " Calumet** or " Chats," of forty-eight hours, is for each and every such detention, a week's difference in the arrival of rafts at Quebec, which is no unimportant item to Lumbermen, in provision and men's wages. ^^, i^ ,.,. . . . Believe me, my dear Sir, yours, very truly, ;: ,?; WILLIAM STEWART. Ruggles Wright, Esq., / c. -' of Hull, Ottawa River. t.ft 1^ • Copjf of a Letter from Hiram Cottony dated :..:i -j.i; (» - ;< ,A,j Bttown, 25th Jane, 1847- RuGGLES 'Wriqhi, Esq. ^ Dear Sir, — I passed one raft through the Govern- ment Slides from the head of the Calumet to the foot of the Chats Slide, and from the great number of rafts passing the Government Slide at the Chaudi^re, I was induced to go through your Slide in order to gain time, which I accomplished in at least one day sooner than those who I was in company with at the DuChene Rapids, and they having much smaller rafts than mine; for which the Grovemment Slide Collector compelled me to give him a Bon for the full amount, which leaves me the loser the amount for passage through your Slide. Allov. me to remain, ' '^ Sir, Your obedient servant, HIRAM COLTON. ■f 1 .■.\ Copy of a Letter from Gilmour Sf Co.y dated Montreal, 13th July, 1847. Sir, — In reply to your enquiries, respecting the Slides at the Chats and Chaudi^re Falls, on the Ottawa River, we beg to state that it is our opinion and belief that two Slides are necessary at both these place?, to prevent de- tention in passing the Timber, which, with only one Slide, must frequently occur, to the injury of parties engaged in the Trade. We are, Sir, Your obedient servants, GILMOUR & Co. To Ruggles Wright, Esq., Hull. \t Copy of a Letter from JamM Deacon^ dated KcrOGLES WlUGHT, EsQ. Hull, 19th June, 1847* StR,^-! waa detained at the head of your Slide, at the Chats, three days, in consequence of your not having completed the works} but as soon as the water was let in I had no difficulty in getting through, and roust say that it works extreoikely well) and should rafts he man" ned as they usually are, I feel confident that they can pass the whole of your Slides at the above place in one day, without any iigury to the Criba. ■;i «: I reroain. Sir, Your obedient servant, /,i^ ,■■■ JAMES DEACON. ,P?1 Copy of a Letter from Edmund Edept dated Wkllinotoit, Slide, 24th June, 1847. Bear Sir, — In answer to yours of the 19th instant, 1 have to inform you that the Slide is working well ; !297 Cribs have passed to this date» and six, rafts came in this morning. I am informed that a number now at Portage DuFort intend coming on our side. All who have passed seem well satisfied* . , a ' .' 'f ■-•!'.( I remain. Sir, Tour humble servant. ' rn 1 •-% EDMUND EDEY. Hugglea Wright, Esq., Hull. «, -t I 19 uU Affidavit qf John Piaupitre. t' Hi «« John Pouparb, of Westmeath, in that part of the Province heretofore called Upper Canada, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith: / - That I have been engap;ed in the Lumber Trade dur- ing fourteen years, and have seen the Slides recently constructed on the Ottawa River at a place called the " Chats," by Kuggles Wright, Esquire, of Hull. I do declare and say that the place where the said Slides are built . is superior and more convenient and safer for the trade than the Slides constructed by Government, from the fact that the Slides of the said Ruggles Wright re- ceive the timber at the foot of the Chats Lake, thereby avoiding the risk and danger of running the rapids, and then passing the timber safely to the lake below the Falls. I am aware of many losses of timber occasioned by heavy gales forcing rafts and portions of rafts into the rapids previous to their reaching the Government Slide, and whieh would have been avoided if the rafts had been run through the Slides of the said Buggies Wright. I declare that the Slides erected by George Buchanan, Esquire, now a part of the Government Slide at the " Chats,** «fas sit tbe time the said Buggies Wright com- menced constructing his Slides on his {>ropertyon the north side of the river, in a very bad state, and it was with the utmost difficulty timber was passed through the said Slide ; and I verily believe that it was owing to the bad state of the said Slide, he, the said Buggies Wright, was induce4i after being requested by many persons interested in the Lumber Trade, to construct or build Slides on his property on the north side of the River Ottawa. _^ v-Mi^.: :. .;: .x.::-M'^i v..^ '\j jn-I^Jr/a jdl C.'.. I On or about the 26th June, 1847, I called on Duncan Graham, Esquire, Collector of the Government Slidage, and requested him to saj whether or not, on account of the great number of rafts which were then about passing through the Government Slide, he would make any re- duction of prices from the established Tariff, if I would pass through Mr. Wright's Slide; and he answered that he could not ; and I consider that is the cause why a very great portion of the lumber merchants pass their rafts through the Government Slide instead of Mr. Wright's Slide ; being obliged to pay the same price whether they pass through the Government Slide or not. Although that rule has been established, I consider that it has been ad- vantageous to me in passing part of my timber through Mr. Wright's Slide, nothwithstanding his charges of Slidage being over and above what is exacted by the Government in passing to the foot of the Chaudi^re Slides. I am also aware that a few days ago, twenty-three Cribs be- longing to William Stubbs broke away from the head of the Government Slide, and passed through the Chaudi^re falls, on account of the immense quantity of rafts which were in attendance at the Government Slide, and occa- sioned great loss to the owner. (Signed,) JOHNPOUPARE. Sworn at Montreal, this thirteenth ,.■ , .^^ , ,. . <„,,,. day of July, 1847. , , j ■■ i - P. H. Knowlton, J. P. ,' T; f ■ ; Copy of a Letter to Hon. D. B, Papineau. ': Hull, 6M 4prt/, 1847. Hon. D. B. Papxnbau, ^ : •;>*/, ^^ , ; Dbab Sir, — ^I am compelled to trouble you once more on the subject of my Slides, in consequence of a Tariff 21 emanating from tho Inspector Generars Office, dated Montraal) 16th March last, which is evidently calculated to take an undue advantage of me, and which I consider has been got up by the untkr officers of the Board of Works. The truth is, the want of experiemce and prac- tical knowledge in direction o£ the first Slides erected by the Board, did not operate to the purpose so well as those erected by me, and many individuals, on passing the same, remonstrated with those Officers, and at the same time referred to my Slide as a justification in support of their remarks; this called forth a hard feeling towards me, and doubtless, excited many representations which have resulted to my disadvantage, and which have since been adopted by the Council, without mature reflection, as I feel confident that Honourable Body never would have given their assent to this Tariff, had they been aware of its effect on me. You are aware that the Tariff for the "Chaudihre" and "ChatSy'* Slides has always been 5s; per Crib for all descriptions of lumber; by this Tariff you will perceive there is a deduction of 2s. 6d. per Crib, which is calculated to draw an advantage in favour of the Slides erected by the Board of Works at the " Chau' diere" and ** Chats;" this I view as an extreme hard case, inasmuch as I was the sole inventor of the iSliUe. You are awai'e that I erected my Slide at the '* CfiaudUre" in 1829, and expended a large sum of money, and that it was of great advantage to the Lumber Trade. At this time there Were little or no improvements on the " Ottawa" to facilitate the descent of Lumber. You are also awareof the situation of this country, when my father first settled here, and his and the fl&mily's operations to the present time ; and upon reflection, you will admit that we have done a good deal for the settlement. I say and feel confident, as you are aware, we have expended our meaus c2 I* f m 22 as fast as we could realize, and sometimes faster, in im- proving an<^ Vinging it forward ; in fact, we have always kept ourse) s poor, as to money matters : and now it would appear that all my former exertions must go for nothing, as, I am perfectly aware it is futile for me to en- deavour to earn money, or to finance in any shape to raise money, to compete with the Board of Works, while they have the power of borrowing money on the credit of the Province, and pledging my property with others as a guarantee, and expending a portion of this money in op- position to my undertakings. I have had to contend with a great many difficulties since I first commenced business, but nothing had the effect to check my feelings equal to this. For I must confess, I had the vanity to suppose that I should have met with every encourage- ment from Government, and cannot help but think, upon reflection, that I am still entitled to that encouragement. If individual enterprise is not to be encouraged, from what source is the Government to rely upon? Is it the people that have got to depend on the Government for their support, or the Government upon the people? What is a country or Government where there is no enterprise, or where a Government will op^iose individual enterprise? It would bear something of the aspect of Ireland at the present tin)e, when Government has to advance millions to prevent starvation. I would ask after a series of this kind, where the Government would find a capital to meet such demands, if it is not earned through the energy of en- terprising men? Is it not the foundation on which Eng- land and eveiy other country has to depend upon for its exristence as a i ation? From these observations you will perceive the principles I have been actuated by, and it is my confirmed opinion, that I ought to be supported in these my undertakings, or so far, at leas^t, as to leave tlie " Chaudiire** and " Chats" in fair competition, without re- ference to any of the Slides above, and at the heretofore established rates, allowing the public to use either, at their own option, or as circumstances may require. Even then the Government Slides will possess «^'*eat advantages over mine, in o,onsequence of the influence they possess over mine, relative to obtaining Licenses. I suffered greatly last season in consequence of the Slide Master at the " Chats" having assured many individuals that if they passed through the Slide of the Board of Works at the " Chaudiere" they would only have to pay 7s. 6d., whereas, if they passed through my Slide at the " Chau- diere,** they would have to pay 5s., and also, 5s. for the Government Slide at the " Chats" forming together, 10s., thus offering an encouragement of 2s. 6d. per Crib on passing through the Government Slides ; having pass- ed through the Slides, and upon settling their account with Mr. Graham, the Slide Master at the ** Chaudiere" he refurted to make the deduction, and insisted upon the individuals giving their notes for the full amount, which they did under a promise that he, Mr. Graham, was to recommend to the Guvernment the deduction of 2s. 6d. per Crib, and on payment Oi' those notes at Quebec, to the agent, Mr. McLean Stewart, that officer would make no deduction, so that the individuals found themselves imposed upon. I myself, injured, gave the agent a great deal of trouble. Should there be any doubt as to the correctness of these assertions, I beg to refer you to the Agent at Quebec, or should you require it, I can furnish you with affidavits from the individuals themselves. You will also observe there have been heavy sums of money expended in Masting and removing rocks and Islands, both in the " Chats" and "Chaudiere" rapids, to render the works in opposition to me as formidable as 24 possible. Whereas, the Ottawa itself, the Gatineau and many other tributury streams to the Ottawa, are requiring improvement, and where there is nothing done, how is it possible that an individual like myself, and being the only one who has private Slides on the Ottawa, can com- pete with such a formidable opposition ? It must be ap> parent to your^self, as to me, that there is only one resource left—that is to throw myself upon the liberality of the Governor and Council, and claim their protection. Should the Board of Works be desirous of having the whole control of the Slides on the " Ottawa,*^ they can have mine by giving me a fair remuneration, as I can see no good that can accrue to the Lumber Trade, my- self, or the Governtnent, unless they are regulated upon some fair principle, and I must most respectfully request your assistance in luy Ix'half. I beg leave to remark that I have petitioned the Go- vernor in Council this day, upon the subject, and trust you will give it that support it merits. Please write me at your earliest convenience on receipt of this ; in the meantime, I remain, dear S"r, Yours, respectfully, (Signed,) KUGGLES WRIGHT. Copy of Letter to L. T. Drummondf Estj.y dated Hull, Gtk April, 1847. Dear Sir, — I am onoe more in trouble, and cannot do without your assistance. Herewith; 'inclosed, you have the subject for your inspection, and I must request your giving it your immediate attention ; it is a matter of that 25 importance to me that I must have it attended to imme- diatelj ; the period is near at hand when the Slides will come into active operation. This matter ought to be settled if possible previous to the Slides opening, and I know of no other friend that I have confidence in tbat^is capable to manage this business so well as yourself. I hope and trust you will not allow your other business to cause any delay in the matter. The Petition enclosed I wish you to read in person to His Excellency, if consistent, and from the knowledge you have of me and our family, perhaps, as my counsel, you may have an opportunity to state to His Excellency, your opinion as to its merits ; I should have been down myself, but my presence is so much required at home, with my Slides and Lumber busi- ness, I could not leave at present ; but if you should find it necessary I will come down, but I hope you will be able to do as well as if I was there. 1 have written to Mr. Papineau and Mr. Daly on this subject, soliciting their assistance ; their letters are nearly the same. I send you the copy of the one sent to Mr. Papineau ; the con- tents will fully explain my views. I regret much the Government interference with the.-^e Slides, as they would have yielded me, at least, £4,000 a-year ; as matters now aro, God only knows the eflTect it will have; they may open them free; therefore, to put an end to further trouble, perhaps it would be best to sell out to them. Doubtless, they would allow me their actual valu^). The " Chats^* is now all complete and ready to pass Cribs, and I do not fear the Government Slides in the least, were they at present in inaividual hands; the Canal takes the Cribs from the Lake and passes them the dis- tance of three miles by the " Chats" rapids, and shoot into a beautiful Bay below for banding up, and no possi- .f 26 bility of losing one stick of timber ; whereas the loss is gr«at in passing the rapids to get to the Government Slide ; besides the rafts anchor out in the Lake above, and are frequently driven from their anchorage into the rapids, and at nearly a total loss; the truth is, I cannot see but my Slides must have a great preference, should I succeed in getting an honest Tariff established, as set forth in my Petition. You will say my communication is lengthy, but do read the whole, and recollect 1 am fifty three years of age, and that all my means are at stake. I am in the hands of the Government; they can *'uin me, or allow me to make something that will support me in my old age, as I am not able to do much more liiyself. -^ • I must beg you will deliver this Petiticm in person without delay, and write me on the subject as soon as possible, and you shall be remunerated for your trouble, if God spai'es rcy life. ..;. I remain, ' — Yours, truly, (Signed,) RUGGLF:: WRIGHT. Cop^ of Letter to the Hon. P. McGiUy dated Hull, August 6M, 1847. To the Hon. Peter McGill, Dear Sir, — Since I last had the honour of seeing you, I waited on several of the Executive Council on the sub- ject I laid before you relative to my Slide. I was ad- vised by them to delay this business until the House of Assembly rose, which I acceded to, although daily would sustain a heavy loss in consequence of the effect of the Government Tariff, as you will perceive on reference to 27 that Tariff that individuals passing through any portion of the Government Works above mj Slides, are com- pelled to pay the full rate of the Government Slides* whether they pass through private Slides or nol« thus securing to the Government the full rate of Slidai^e, and leaving nothing as a remuneration for me, except the superior construction and locality of my Slide, and that under the disadvantages above enumerated, which your experience as a business man must see the injustice of. I was informed last November that the Government was going to establish this Tariff, but I placed no confi- dence in it, feeling that my father, myself and the rest of the family, had expended so much in settling this section of the country, and I feel now that it is not the desire of the Government to injure me, and that this circumstance has occurred in consequence of representations received from the Slide Masters, and adopted by the Executive Council, without knowing the effect it would have on my operations. I also perceive, on reflection, should I not make a sale of my Slides to the Government, there wiU be difficulties constantly arising, and doubtless false re- presentations made, calculated to injure me 11. ^ opinion of the Government, and my interest; for instance, the Slide Master at the Chats^ in case of rafts passing ther? Slides at the Chttudiere, said there would be a deductica of 2s. 6d. per Crib from the regular Tariff, which was not allowed by the Government; this Mr. M'Lean Stewart, Collector of Slide dues, can prove, if required; it had the effect of preventing me getting many rafts, as I would not lower my Tariff, and there will be always something oalculaited to ii\}ure and annoy me should I hold the Slide ; therefore, I have come to the conclusion that it would be best for me to sell them to the Government at the prisal of men, or otherwise as we can agree, as the 28 Government may at some future period, open their Slides as free Slides, through some private pique against me; besides the Slides cost little or nothing to keep them in repair when erected. Should I reduce my Slidage to 5». I might get nearly all the rafts passing, which would lessen the revenue of the Government Slides; in fact I see no other means to prevent difficulty than for the Go- vernment to purchase mine; when they have the whole, the Supervisor's Office would form a check upon the dif- ferent Slide Masters; whereas at present, it would be ex- tremely difficult to keep them honest ; the Government would then regulate the whole Tariff at their will and pleasure, and I certainly consider that the Government are in duty bound to do something in consequence of my having invented, and carried into successful operation, the Slides at my own expense, which has been so great an ad- vantage to the Lumber Trade. In fact, it looks like a hard case that my property, yours and others, should be pledged to borrow money laid out to check individual enterprise. For many years we have anxiously solicited the Government to make improvements on the Ottawa for the descent of Timber ; we could get nothing done. I was led to believe that taey would do nothing, and made my improvements. Here is the Gatineau that has yielded yearly a large revenue to the Government, and nothing by them expended, and although Booms, Slides, &c. have been erected and kept up by Messrs. Wright and Hamilton, without receiving anything as a remuneration from other individuals lumbering on the river, or from the Government, which I consider to be a great hard- ship. You are, doubtless, aware, from your extensive commercial operations, of the financial situation ot most all business men in Canada, in particular, ourselves; you are aware that we have kept ourselves nearly always 29 poor in money matters; that our object has been to create a permanent value in our real estate, and bring the country forward, and all I want is justice, which doubt- less would enable me to live amongst my neighbours and friends for the few remaining years I may be spared. I should not have taken the liberty to write . ou thus lengthy only from my own knowledge of your character for twenty years past; from that and many other instances I was led to believe you would pardon me for this liberty, and rest assured, I will feel myself under the greatest obligation if you should see cause and justice to interest yourself on my behalf, to bring this business to as speedy a termination as possible. I shall be in Montreal in a few days, when I shall do myself the honour of calling upon you. With respect, I remain. Your obdt. servant, (Signed,) RUGGLES WRIGHT, MEMORIAL. To His Excellency the Right Honourable James, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Governor General of Brittsh North America, Sfc. Sfc. Sfc. The Memorial of the undersigned Merchants, Lum- ber Dealers, and others interested in the Lumber Trade of the Ottawa, HuMBLT Represents, — That Your Memorialists have reason to complain of the Tariff, establishing the rates to be paid for passing lumber through the Slides constructed on the Ottawa by D » V 30 the Provincial Government, inasmuch as the effect of that Tariff is to compel those who may pass any por- tion of their Lumber through the Slides constructed by Ruggles Wright, Esquire, at the Chauditire and Chats Rapids, to pay to the Government Collector at Bytown the same charge as if such lumber had been passed through the Provincial Works at both of the above mentioned places. That at certain times, and especially when the wind blows off the south shore of the Ottawa, it is much more convenient, safe and expeditious, to pass lum- ber through Mr. Wright's Slides, lying as they do upon the north sliore ; so that Your Memorialists will be exposed to serious loss and inconvenience if they be not allowed to pass their lumber through these Slides when occasion may require, without being liable to an extra charge for so doing. That, under these circumstances, apprehending as they do, that various other inconveniences and difficulties may arise out of the holding of two of the Slides on the Ottawa by a private individual, while the greater part of them are in the possession of the Provincial Govern- ment, being aware that the position of Mr. Wright's Slides at the Chaudiere and Chats, but especially as the latter place, is better and safer than that of the Govern- ment Slides, and being convinced that Mr. Wright's Slides are required by the Lumber Trade, in addition to those constructed by the Government, Your Memorialists ti.rmly believe that it is a matter of great importance to the Lumber Trade thsit the said Slides should be purchased by the Govevnm(!nt from Mr. Wright. Tiiat Your Meinoriali-jts would sincerely regret, that Mr. Wright, who has evinced- so much energy, enterprize and capacity, and who has conferred such incalculable benefits I'ponthe Lumber Trade, by inventing the sliding 31 systera, and applying it to the transportation of lumber down the dangerous falls of the Ottawa, should be treated unjustly, or that his interests should suffer on account of his having constructed his Slide at the Chats about the same time the Government Works were undertaken, — Your Memorialists being aware that he had been fre- quently requested by some of Your Memorialists, and by many others interested in the trade, to construct that Slide, and had made arrangements for that purpose before it became known that the Board of Works was about to construct a Slide upon the same rapids, and at a time when it was generally believed that no part of the public moneys would be employed for th^t object. Wherefore Your Memorialists humbly pray that Your Excellency will graciously deign to cause the Slides at the Chaudiere and Chats Rapids, now the property of Ruggles AVright, Esquire, to be purchased by the Pro- vincial Government, in order that all the Slidage on the Ottawa be placed under the control of the Collector at Bytown. And Your Memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Montreal, September 20, 1847. (Signed,) Gilmour & Co., Stephens, Young & Co,, Lemcsurier lloutb & Co. McPherson, Crane & Co., Joseph Aumond, Robert Conroy, Hugh Carmichael, Wm. Morris, Coll. McDonald, Jas. Martin, Wm. Rodgerson, Joshua Smith, Arthur McArthnr, Elliot Johnson, Danl. McLauchlan, Michl. Lasor, Wm. Petry, Geo. Burns, Symes & Co. D. R. Steuart, Jno. Thompson, Allan Gilmour 9c Co. Geo. Black, Forsyth & Bell, G. W. Usborae, 'vl: I ; as ;l Chs. Hersey, • Geo. Morris, " — Mason, Hiram Colton, Charles Colton, Isaac Smith, John McDona'd, John Mcpherson, A E. Montmarquet, J. D. Bernard, John Hall, John Foupare, L. M. Coutlec, Thos. C. Brigham, Edward Malloch. Edwd. Burke, John Stubbs, Saml. Crane, Thos. Stubbs, F. Wilson, Evran A. McDonald, James McCaul, Geo. Stubbs, Saml. Adams, Saml. A. Huntingdon. T. H. Johnson, Nathl. Chamberlain, Chas. L. Brigham, C. C. Brigham, Tiberius Colton, T. S. Read, Jos. Smith, Jas. McCrakin, per J. 0. B. Jas. Robinson, H. & A. Hopper, J. B. Foupare, Cotulee & Aird, D. Bourgeois, Alexr. McDonell, Thos. McGoez, , Duncan Fatton & Co., Thomas C. Lee, Frovan & Anderson, Jno. P. Chrysler, H. & K. Burstall, Sharpies, Wainwright& Co. Fickersgill, Tebbitt & Co. Donald Frazer, LeMesurier, Tilstone & Co. Anth. Cullen, Gillespie, Greenshields&Co. E. W. Hall, Edw. Smith, & Co., Wm. Frice, Robt. Roberts, Simon Hill, Rod. McDonnell, R. McLaren, Edwd. McGillvery, Jas. Wadsworth, J. B. Hyde, Wm. McKay, Wm. McArdlo, James Browne, H. W. McDonell, Edwd. Griffin, John Bennett, James Leamey, F. R. Foutras, Jno. Thompson, Ross, Shuter & Co., Femberton, Brs., D. Burnet, Robt. C. Wilkins, James Young, R. M. Harrison, Chas. E. Levey & Co., Gordon, Nicol & Co., Joseph Shuter, Jas. TurnbuU, ^ 33 Jas. McGoez, Duncan Grant, Jno. D. Tripp, Alexr. Grant, Thos. McCaw, D. F. McLaren, J. 6. Foupare, senr. Willm. Byres, Gerrord McCrea, G. H. Fark & Co., John Bonner, T. Kelly, Charles Foston, Wm. Henry, W. & C. Benson, Wra. Dawson, John Jamicson. MEMORIAL. 7b His Excellency the Right Honourable the Karl of Ei.Giy and Kincardine, Governor General of Bri- tish North America, ^c, ^-c., S)C. The Memorinl of the undersigned jMercLnnt."?, Lumber Dealers, and others interested in the LuinbvT 'i'radc of the Ottawa, Humbly Represents : That Your Memorialists have reason to complain of the Tariff establishing the rates to be paid for passing lumber through the Slides constructed on the Ottawa, bv the Provincial 'Government, inasmuch as the effl-ct of that Tariff is to compel those wao pass any portion of their lumber through the Slides constructed by Ruggles Wright, Esquire, at the Chaudiere and Chats rapids, to pay to the Government Collector at By town, the same charge as if such lumber had been passed through the Provincial Works, at bolli of the above mentioned places. That at certain time?, nnd especially when the wind blows off the south shore of the Ottawa, it is much more convenient, safe and expeditious, to pass lumber through Mr. Wright's Slides, lying as they do, upon the nr-rth i>2 ;.'. i qilUpw!!tq^<|iiiivn!r»2 Copy of a Letter from Thomas A. Begly^ Esquire, Se- eretary. Board of TVorks, in answer to my Letter rej- -, pectinyan Arbitrationy dated Public Works, ; " Montreal, 2 "V" i; (Signed,) RUGGLES WRIGHT, T. A. Begly, Esq., * ' Secretary, Public Works. Copy of Letter to John Egan, EsquirCf dated , , Montreal, 4tli Dec, 1847- My Dear Sir, — I have at last an answer from Gov- ernment relative to my Slides; their value must be as- certained by arbitration ; the Government has appointed Thos. McKay; I have named your honour. This is diffe- rent to our former understanding, but I could not help it; Mr. Drummond insisted on it; and Mr. A. Gilmour was suggested by the Honble. Mr. Robinson as a proper 44 I'.'t- person as Umpire, which I assented to, knowing, should I succeed in getting you three appointed, that justice would be done without unnecessary delay, which my situation so much requires at the present time. Now, my dear friend, you must not refuse j you know my situation, and it is in your power to render me a ser- vice ; I ask no more than I am in justice entitled to, and that I feel confident I shall receive when your judgment is rendered. I am aware that your extensive business has caused you to make improvements nearly similar to mine, and doubtless have carefully calculated the costs and know well the actual value; besides, none have a better knowledge of the value of my Slides than you have, more especially at the present time when they are buried in snow and ice. It is impossible that the works can be estimated by individuals who have no prior know- ledge of the work. Thousands of pounds are there expended in rock excavation, removing and blasting boulders, and other work which cannot be seen now or at any other time, without turning off the water, which would cost a large sum at any time; therefore, I pre* sume that you will doubtless come to the conclusion to estimate their value from a general knowledge of the amount expended, the value of the location, and the probable revenue of the Works; the latter may be ascer- tained from Messrs. Russell and Teasdale, my clerks; at all events you must not say no, but answer this at your earliest convenience, as I shall not leave this until I get this business settled, if possible. The Government re- quires an answer from me whether you accept or noi. I wish you to see Mr. McKay ; don't let him refuse on any account, and don't let him know that I said anything about Mr. Gilmour; he will get instructions from Mr. Robinson relative tc the same; presuming that you 45 vould have no objection to his appointment as Umpire, Now don't forget me, and perhaps I may yet be of ser- vice to you. - ' * ' '■• Yours truly, ■; '^^v <-. ■^'. .■^'. - '/:-■'' '-'^-v^.-. ' ; . ,_ (Signed,) RUGGLES WRIGHT, I!.' U,«;,. ;i.il{.* y,?^'.' Copy of a Letter to T. A. Begly^ Esq.f daled >-,,t'i^ MONTKEAL, lUA Dec, 1847. Sir, — In accordance with my letter to you dated the 3rd inst., in which I stated that I had appointed John Egan, Esq., to act as Arbitrator oa my behalf in the matter of my Slides, I immediately wrote to that gen- tleman, requesting his consent to that appointment, and I this morning received his official answer consenting to act as Arbitrator, and of which the following is a true copy. i.;V-'%: :V^-^ : t Aylmer, 0th Dec, 1847- RuQGLES Wright, Esq., Montreal, Dear Sir, — I am this morning in receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., informing me that you hav* named me asyour Arbitrator to act with others appointed by the Government, to value your Slides. I beg to say I am prepared at any time to go into the matter. I am, yours truly, ^ | '■-'{*' • (Signed,) JOHN EGAN. .vu*-j'"*',>H. |W "-^^^i 46 Copy of a Letter from T. A. Segli/, Esq.^ Secretary y Board of Works, dated MoKiHEALy \1th Dec, 1847. Sir, — I have the honour, by direction of the Commis- sioners, to inform you that the Honble. Thomas McKay hfts consented to act as Arbitrator on the part of the Government, to ascertain the value of your Slides at the "Chats" and the « ChaudiSre," and that full in- structions will be sent to him by to-morrow's post, so that the investigation may be commenced at once. ,.. ,v -^ .. I have the honour to be, Sir, ; ^i ' - kis 'M-Vv Your obt. servt., * >- -•' *f"> i" ^*-'* ..«'J:i;iJ>'^i?:rii • ' (Signed,) THOMAS A. BE GLY, ' ''"^■'"■^' "■ -' '^T— -•■-.. -- Secretary, ^*' Ruggles Wright, Esq., ^'-'*' - Hull, near Bytown. Mpf^t^Ti }>■' eiii,jii'i0\S «4T '■;.■...; y^,^.,,*^,;' Hi iffS*^?^ .s'*^1V« Cc|p^ o/* a Letter from T. A, Begly, Esq., dated Montreal, 22d Dec, 1847. Sir, — I have the honour, by direction of the Commis- sioners, to inform you that the necessary instructions have been forwarded to the Honble. Thomas McKay, which will enable him to commence the investigation as to the value of your Slides at the "Chats" and " Chaudiere,'* whenever the Arbitrators may meet for that purpose. I have the honour to be. Sir, - Your obt. servt., . *l 5^i: (Signed,) THOS. A. BEGLY, v^ ' ' Ki^^r^^ ^> Secretaryi, *^ R. Wright, Esq., Bytown, m ■ .ii\ Copy of Letter to John Egan, Esq., dated ' "^^ > ',. ^VLLf Slst December, IS^7* Dear Sir, — Prior to my leaving Montreal, I had an in- terview with the Honorable Mr. Casgrain, one of the Commissioners of the Public Works; he informed me that it was not necessary to join in a Letter of Instructions to the Arbitrators, as the Commissioners of Public Works would on their part send the proper Instructions to their Arbitrator, the Honorable Thomas McKay; that on my part, it would be necessary that I should give such In- structions to my Arbitrator (J. Egan, Esq.,) as I should conceive necessary, to enable the Arbitrators to ascertain the correct value of the Slides. Therefore, permit me to add for your information, that I consider it next to impossible to go into any actual measurement and calcu- lation of the different descriptions of work composing those Slides, they being at present covered by ice and water, which, at the present time, it is impossible to re- move; but to give you an idea of their value, I beg to enclose the annexed documents. Nos. 2 and 3 contain the correct amount of what the Slides cost me, the paper marked No. 4, is calculated to shew their revenue for 1845-6, and No. 5, (vide page 11,) the average for the last eight years. The actual business done on the Hull Slide in 1845 and 1846, must fall short of a general average for the time to come; the future in- crease and importance of the Trade will of course cause a corresponding increase in the Tolls of the Slides ; the present year may, however, be called an exception, owing to the unprecedentedly depressed state of trade generally, and cannot be taken as a criterion by which to establish their probable average Revenue ; neither can the amount of this year's Revenue, as the Tariff establish- 48 ed by the Government in April last, has been the bono of contention, and has in a comparative point of view, nearly destroyed the whole Revenue of the Slides for this year. I would also observe, that in the year 1840, the Government Slide Masters at the Chats, gave the Lumberers to understand, that there would be a deduc- tion of 2s. 6d. per Crib, on rafts passing through the Government Slide at the Chats and Chaudi^re, which was the cause of many rafts passing through them, which otherwise would not, had it not been for this encourage- ment ; this consequently had the effect of lessening the number of Cribs which would have passed through my Slide, and plainly demonstrates that, in estimating their value from their work in 1846, I am still sustaining a great disadvantage, as I have no possible means of ascertaining the difference, but am aware it was a great deal, and I most humbly submit it for your consideration. I would also further observe, that the Government now, and the public in general, view this Tariff as unjust and oppressive. The present Executive have, however, promised, in case they should not purchase the Slides, to remodel it, and place it on a more fair and equitable footing ; this I mention as another instance, to show the injustice of taking a comparison from this year's business, therefore I have come to the conclusion, after you hav« examined the present condition of the Slides, that you would require to ascertain the actual amount expended in erecting them, as also the amount of their Revenue ; frolh this and the position they occupy, together with the facilities they afford the Trade, I should consider, would give you sufficient information to arrive at a fair and just conclusion as to their actual value; together with the general knowledge you possess of their advantages, ta both you gentlemen, Arbitrators, have seen the positkia ^^=T' # that they both occupied prior to their being erected. The immense expense of blasting and removing large boulders, as also the great cost of coffer dams, and : heavy rock excavations at the entrance of the Chaudi^re ^ Canal ; also the rock excavation for the large Guard Gate, 33 feet, and 27 by 6 feet breast, for regulating the rise and fall of water at the entrance of the Canal to the Slide, together with many other and expensive descriptions of work, which are not now visible to the eye, but present one smooth surface of \/ater, which individuals at present could not make any calculation upon, except they had seen the place in its original state, and hardly then, unless they had been present at the Works, and disbursed the expenses. This work was not performed with an idea of selling it to Government, or any individual. It was under the impression that it would be inherited by the original proprietors, and their heirs forever, presuming that they would not be op- posed or coerced by Government, and compelled to part with the same, as it would appear is the case at present. However much I regret the necessity which compels me to part with this property, I still must con- fess, that I am not endeavouring, neither do I wish to create any sympathy to influence the gentlemen Arbi- trators, in giving an award that should exceed the actual value of my property, as I am aware of the high and honorable principles you both entertain, together with your general knowledge and practical experience in such works ; but at the same time, permit me to impress upon your mind the great necessity I feel in calling your particular attention to the locality and position of the Slides at the Chats in particular, as I am aware that the Arbitrator on behalf of the Government, ihe Honorable Thomas McKay, is not so well acquainted with the 50 advantageous position of the Chats Slide as that of the Chaudi^re; therefore permit me to call your attention to the advantageous position which my Slides possess over those of the Government. In the first place, a Baft can sail down the Chats Lake into a Boom at the entrance of my Slide, there detach their Raft into Cribs, one fol- lowing the other through the Canal and Slides in perfect safety, until they enter the large and commodious Bay below the Rapids and Falls, where they reassemble their Cribs into Rafts, also in perfect safety, and* in a much shorter time than can be done through the Government Slide on the south side of the Ot- tawa. For instance, a Raft descending the Chats Lake, passing through the Government Slide, must first come to anchor in the Lake above the Rapids or ^ite the entrance of my Slides. In fine weather they ^h it into Cribs or bands accortling to the height of water, and run the rapids a distance of about three miles, when they land in a Bay at the head of the Government Slide,and put it over Crib by Crib and land them promiscuously where they can, to be re-collected and banded up on a heavy current with a good deal of expense and difficulty; besides it often occurs while running these rapids, that pilots are deceived and their Cribs broken up by coming , in contact with the rocks, as also from heavy squalls which drive them out of the channel, and a portion of their timber passes into differentchannels, between innu- merable Islands, into the great Chnte, and are seldom or never afterwards collected by the lawful owners ; it has also often happened that Rafts anchored in this exposed situation have been driven from their anchorage by gales of wind into the rapids and passed through the different positions above described, and the owners in consequence sustained immense loss. Last June I was in the Rail- M road Station-house at the head of the Chats with some thirty others; tiiere was a heavy squall from the northwest which parted Centre's cables, his raft went adrift in the gale and ran foul of Poupare's, parted his cable, and with the greatest exertions, the gale continuing, the men suc- ceeded in reaching the south shore just above the head of the rapids ; had the gale not slackened a little, or the men not exerted themselves, God only knows what the result would have been ; the night was dark and in the confusion, doubtless they must have passed through the great Chute, and perished. Besides it is not unfrequent that rafts have been detained at this anchorage from eight to ten days in consequence of contrary winds, heavy fogs &c., whereas there is no fog, wind, or foul weather, can prevent rafts passing through my Canal and Slides j neither is it possible, by passing through them to lose any timber as you will easily perceive on examining their localities. There ought to be some two or three hundred pounds more expended to perfect the work for its operation at low water j this has occurred in consequence of an error in the first levels, and \vas not ascertained by me until the water was let in; when that is done I would not hesitate to guarantee that I could take the charge of any raft and pass it into the Lake below, then re-band it ready for departure in one day and a half, and guarantee no loss. I feel confident that it will be done in one day, If this be f rue, as I concientiously say it is, you must perceive the great and important benefit it will be to the Trade, and from that you can derive a near calculation as to its value ; besides should the Government wish to connect these two Lakes by means of a Canal the greater portion of the work is already completed by my opera- tion, with the exception of Locks, which doubtless will bo the case sooner or later^ more especially should that great nd advantageous design be carried into effect of im- i.^i 52 Jl* M proving the navigation of the Ottawa through to Lake Huron; it is the heart and centre o'l our country, and <■ must be done sooner or later; nature has so designed it and it cannot be obviated. The surplus populatioiti of Great Britain, poisessed of British feolings and untainted . with republican or revolutionary notions, must find a resting place; and where can they meet with the fruits of their industry with -^bat advantage they can on the fine and fertile banks, of the "Valley of the Ottawa? It is a healthy and noble stream; from each bank the settlements may extend to an immense distance ; and let me ask, why the Ottawa should not be improved? Why should not the people representing the mercantile interests of Montreal, come forward and use every possible exertion to forward the settlement of the Ottawa? It is our commercial town, and from us they must expect to derive their principal support in a commercial point of view. That portion of Upper Canada bordering on the United States principally transact their mercantile business across the line 45, and Montreal, our present seat of Government, derives little or none of these advantages. Our Emigration is princi- pally transported to the Far West, then left to obtain a subsistence ir the United States in the best manner they can, while Canada possesses millions of acres of wild and uncultivated land more advantageously situated for the settler than any other part of America; whereas for the went of a well regulated system tc locate th6 Emigrants as they arrive, we and the Mother Country lose the ad- vantages that might be derived from locating them on the Ottawa. Their industry would prove a source of wealth to us in subduing our forests and supporting our connection with Great Britain, add to our commercial interests as well as to the jiiianufacturing interests at home* These considerations I mention to you in order ,.?u 53 that the future value which must accrue to the Govern- ment should they purchase my Slides may be well weighed, and which perhaps would not occur to you at the present moment. I would also observe that, owing to the circumstance of my being the sole inventor of the sliding system, and which has been productive of so much advantage to the Lumber Trade, I humbly conceive it i3 not the motive of the Government or those con- nected with the Trade, to deprive me of the advantages of my invention, without giving me that protection and remuneration to which I am justly entitled; therefore I cannot conceive that the Arbitrators will confine their views to the simple expenditure or outlay in construct- ing the work, but that they will take a general view of all the circumstances bearing upon the subject, and give their award accordingly. , , I have the honour to be. Sir, , J,, Your most obedient Servant, 1.^^ (Signed,) RUGGLES WBIGHT. N. B. — I beg to enclose herewith a small book contain- ing all */he correspondence, comprising letters, afl&davits &c., which passed between me and tho Executive on the subject of the Slides. - ■ No. 2. *"-^""' .'^' -^"■^'-'^^•*^-^« Statement of Costs and Improvements on Ruggles Wright, Esquire's, Slide in the Village of Hull, up to October, 1 847, exclusive of repairs. Amount of the original cost of Slide, as per J/eed of « separation rendered in the Court uf Queen'y Bench, Montreal, In June, 1844, JC9.008 17 6 Improvements on Dam at Lower Slide, 1844-5,.... 23 7 .5 Do. on Slide and Cannl, in 1344-5, 2,09111 3 BuildingWharfand Apron, in 1847, 119 2 7 Blasting and removing Boulders in the Channel uf above made Slide, in 1846-7, 15 -«%V. . Carried over, ,£11,262 18 9 11 m ^t! m my W' n;. ■. ■ i-'.';P' i. tJ ': M'> iimk m Brought oyer, £11,262 18 9 ^ No. 3. Statement o^ Costs building Wellington Slide at the Chats, in 1845-46-47. Total amount expended in the above Slide, to this date, 8,050 llj £19,312 19 8^ "t Not charging any thing for the Timber to erect the works, or the lands flowed, or privileges. < . ^^ . , :^f! ■■'•^'^•; if V ',;-'■.;,;- -v'^i ,. Memorandum. ' ofe.;^v" * In making a proposal of selling my Slides, in the Vil- lage of Hull, to Government, together with all the rights and privileges heretofore used in passing Eafts, that is to say, free egress to and from them, the same arc to be subjent only to the conditions and restrictions contained in the Deed of Separation, of which the annexed are extracts, and also reserving the right of removing a por- tion of the lower part of the Stone Dam, and rebuilding it for the purpose of taking in sufficient water, separate from the Slide, to propel the different manufactures, winch will give additional support to the present work and greater advantages in working the Slides. My proposals also to the Government, relative to i ■>' Slides at the Chats, are as follows, viz: I sell to the Government my Slides at the Chats, together with ali the rights and privileges appertaining thereto, compre- hending the free egress to and from Them, cither by land or water, as also the privilege of overflowing such ad- joining lan«l as shall be considered necessary by the Government for the efficient working of the Slides. The Government also to have the option of taking such building lots near the Slides as they may deem necea- 55 (*-!f« b„v4 sarj for their Slide operations, so long as the some shall not interfere with the Lands deeded to the Rail-road Company, together with the right of altering or enlarg- ing the Slides for a Canal or any other purpose, if re- quired, or making such other changes in them as the Government may deem fit and proper, with also the fur- ther privilege of moving Rafts below the upper terminus of the Rail-road station, and 'it the lower extremity of the Slide in Wellington Bay. These Slides and Canal pass through and overflow a portion of Lots in the Township of Bristol, viz: Lots Nos. 28 and 29 in the iirst range, and Lot No. 29 in tiie second range of the same; also, in the Township of Onslow, Lots Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and part of Lot No. 5 in the €rst r&nge. -^ -ir -^c: 7;- - Note. — ^From the regulating Gate of the Canal to the foot of the Slide on the north side, I propose giving the Government from 10 to 20 feet, as they may require, also a building 'ot 60 feet fi'ont by 40 deep between the cut stone store and the siuall red house to the west,^xtending to the north on a p vUol line with the be- fore mentioned buildings; westerly the sai*. vrivileges i.s hitherto used by individuals when passing their Raits through the Slide, that is to say ; every privilege necessary for the ■> i king of the Slide which has heretofore been found requisite, or which inay now be considered requisite by the Arbitrators. i:K?S8 ^ m Extract from Copy of Deed of Separation granted bf/ the Court of Queen's Bench^ Montreal, Province of Canada,! t ^u /^ * -o i. District of Montreal. | ^" *^^ Q"^«° ' ^^^^'- i ' Friday, the twenty 'eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four. >m i',!,tt> s. 56 ■■'' { m -: ,;;■-. .vi-i ■:i^ Present: '■'''"'' The Hon. Chief Justice Valli&res de St. R6al, , " Mr. Justice Gale, ^ " Mr. Justice Day. ■'I'.-' RuGGLES Wright, the elder, of the Township of Hull, in the District of Montreal, Esquire, ■ ' -: :;c'--.. -:'. ;... .'.^ , .va :„■- ■ ,:/' .■■;■ Plaintiff, / . ;. ' VS. f /..,,5f^.;'n^"'^=' ■■ - V'-'f^^ ■-•;■' Lois Ricker, of the same place, widow of the late Tiberius Wright, the elder, in his lifetime also of Hull aforesaid, Esquire, as well in her own name as in her capacity of Tutrix duly appointed en jus- tice, to the minor children hereinafter named: Jona- * than Wyman Wright, of the Township of Onslow, in the said District of Montreal, Lumber Dealer and . Farmer; Alonzo Wright, also of Hull aforesaid, • gentleman, and Charles Symmcs, of Aylmer, in the said District of Montreal, in his capacity of Tutor ad hoc du Y appointed en justice to George Frank- lin Wright, Joshua Ricker Wright, Alphonso, Nancy Louisa, AVilliam, Tiberius, and Philemon Wright, minor children, issue of the marriage of the said Lois Ricker with the said Tiberius Wright, Defendants, AND The said George Franklin Wright, of the Township of Hull, in the District of Montreal, gentleman, Intervening for himself, as one of the Defendants, The Court having heard the parties by their Counsel on the motion made by the Plaint, if on the 21st day of May, 1845, tending to the homologation of the Report of Amie Lafontaine and James Finlayson Taylor, Es- 5T quires, Experts named, in this cause, the said Report dated the 14th day of September, 1844, and made in conformity to the Interlocutory Judgment rendered on the 27th day of July, 1844, and returned to this Court on the 17th day of September, 1844 ; and on the merits of the said Report, and on the merits of said cause, having examined the proceedings aud proof of record, and the admissions made by the parties, seen the said Report, and having upon the whole duly deliberated, doth grant the said motion, and by and with the consent of the parties doth homologate and confirm the said Report according to its tenure and effect; and the Court, proceeding according to the said Report, to the division and partition (partagej of the several lands, lots of lands, tenements and heredi- taments described and designc:ed in the Plaintift's decla- ration in the said cause made and fyled, and referred to in the last will and testament of the late Philemon Wright the elder, and thereby by him bequeathed to the said Plaintiff, and to the said late Tiberius Wright the elder, together with all and every the buildings, rights, privi- leges, appurtenances, and members thereto belonging, and all and every the rents, rentes constitues etfoncieres due or to become due thereon, into equal shares and wjoiefte^, with the exceptions hereinafter made between the said Plain tiflf on the one hand and the Legatees of the said late Tiberius Wright the elder, collectively, on the other hand, according to the provisions of the said last will and testament of the said late Philemon Wright the elder, 3th adjudge, accord, and allot to the said Plaintiff, Rug- gles Wright the elder, to belong and appertain to him the said PlaintiflF, Ruggles Wright the elder, the first share or moieiie of the said property designated in th« said Report by the letter A, and consisting of i' rl ikr^ l:;m ' [Claufles No. 1 to 92 inclusive, allot to Buggies Wright, two portions of Township lands, &c. Extract from clause 93, allots to Ruggles "Wright — " Also the Slide property, being for the passing of tim- ber by the Chatidi^re Falls, and together with the small island and the dam thereto contiguous, and also the dams, coves, wharves, and also the privileges to the same be- longing and appertaining, for the use and working of the said Slide."] And the Court doth order, for the better and more convenient enjoyment and use, working and proper man- agement of all the aforesaid lands, lots of land, tenements and hereditaments, buildings, rights, privileges, appur- tenances, and members thereto belonging, by the said Plaintiff, Ruggles Wright, Senior, and the said Legatees of the said Tiberius Wright, their heirs and representa- tives, the same shall be hereafter and henceforward sub- ject and submitted to the following basements, restric- tions and servitudes liereby imposed and established, as expedient and necessary, to wit j at the Chaudi^re Falls, in extreme low water, if there is not a sufficient quantity and supply of water in the Canal to furnish the Slide, then the grist-mill shall not work nor use any water during the day, when the Slide is required to be used; for the working of the blacksmith's shop in extreme low water, no more water is to be used than has formerly been used at such times. "■ ^ ^> The aforesaid saw-mill shall not be worked or run to the prejudice of the said Slide or of the said grist- mill. In the event of other buildings, mills, or machinery, being hereafter erected for the purpose of being propel- led and worked by the waters of the said Canal, they are not to use or take any portion of said waters to the pro- 59 judice and damage of any of the mills and buildings now erected. ;v Atlmer, Zrd Januar^y 1848. Dear Sir, — I am now in receipt of your Letter of In- structions, with necessary papers relative to the arbitra- tion between you and Government as to the value of your Slides, and every privilege thereto connected. ;*. If not too much trouble, you will oblige me by send- ing another copy, in order that I may transmit the same to the Hon. Thoma?» McKay, who has been appointed to act on the part of the Government : my doing so will put him in possession of all the facts, which I consider is necessary, and will facilitate business when we meet. I am, ■(* '■"'' • - " Yours truly, v.':;;#J----«v..v;,-^>..: p. 't'' ' ''" (SigneJ,) " - JOHN EGAN. :*" /.f-.M ' I Cop^ of Letter to Mr. Egan, dated KvLT., 9th Jamtary, 1848. Dear Sir, — As the Arbitrators meet on Monday for the purpose of valuing my Slides, I would beg to call your attention to a few observations in support of my communication to you of the 31st December, respecting the Taluation of my Slides. Firstly, I would observe that there has been no account kept of the expendi- ture to erect the Hull Slide until it fell to me on the settlement of the Estates of P. Wright, Esq., and P. Wright & Sons, when I received it at a valuation of £9008 17s. 6d. I have already furnished you with a statement of the expenditure in actual improvements m 60 '-■:,:i. U I since that period, amounting in the whole to JS 11,262 18s. 9d. I have thought that perhaps you would think it advisable to give you some idea of the cost of my work to ascertain the amount expended by the Govern- ment to erect the opposition Slides at Point Nepean: t^ere was first expended by Col. By between two and three thousand pounds; by Buchanan, a heavy sum of money — if not the whole, a part must apply to the account of this work ; for instance, the heavy pier at the head of the Kettle, on the south, together with the dams at the head of the Islands, which back the water and form the entrance to the Slides; also, the expenditure of the Little Chaudi^re, all must be put to the same account to ascer- tain the actual cost of the work. - ' r •''•*■ ^^ i The Government may say, looking to the account of , their expenditure of 1845, that their Slides only cost so much, whereas the items of expenditure mentioned above ought to be included, to arrive at their true cost. The same observations may also apply to the Chats Slide. You are aware that G. Buchanan expended an immense sum of money, and ruined several respectable houses in erecting the Chats Slide, Canal, Dams, &c, I would observe that prior to the above works being constructed by Mr. Buchanan at the Chaudiere, that the draught was so heavy into the Kettle and the other surges that they had to swing their Cribs round the point by means of a rope, and oak timber and staves were drawn by and re-rafted — Stave Cribs at an average cost of five pounds, which have since passed though my Slides at the rate of five shillings per Crib, which shows an immense saving to the trade, independently of calculating the delay in loss of time, as it was not unfrequent that rafts were detained three weeks for their turn to go through. I have endeavoured to ascertain the total cost of the Govern- ■y\ 61 ment Slides, but could not succeed. I feel, however, confident that, could the whole expenditure be ascertained, it would amount to more than the sum submitted to you as the cost of my Slides. The extent of their work is nothing to be compared with mine, besides mine was an experimental operation, whereas the Government has had the advantage of copying from my experiment in constructing their Slides; consequently their works could be done cheaper. You will observe also, that, in taking the eight years' estimation of the work of my Slides, it cannot bear any proportion to that period of years to come, from the natural increase of the trade, and the great advantages my Slide at the Chats has over that of the Government when in complete operation, as, rest assured, putting them at an average rate, not a Crib will pass through the Government Slide, while in 1845 and 1846, the amount must have been immense, and I think it would be of essential benefit to ascertain that, to enable them to arrive at a fair valuation of my Chats Slide, as there has been no opposition at that place. At the Chaudifere, I have had Mr. Buchanan's Slide in opposi- tion, together with the unsettled state of the business of the firm of P. Wright & Sons, which deterred me from making those necessary improvements required to realize their benefits, which I should have derived, until I made the improvements in 1845,and which plainly demonstrates the difference, and would greatly enlarge the amount of a general average, which does not at present appear in my statement. It may be argued that the Government having reduced the Tariff to 2s. 6d. per Crib, that it is not proper to make up the average at 5s. You will also observe that this Tariff is so calculated to afford the Government the same advantage ; whether they pass through my Slides or not, they also charge 28. 6d. per M ''iii'- p.; mi; ii>« Crib for passing through the trifling Poupare's Slide at the Portage du Fort^ which only cost Government between £400 and £500. I cannot conceive that these circum- stances ought to influence the Arbitrators further than injustice they merit, as you will naturally perceive, the the design and effect they were intended to have, and which will further appear by calling to your mind that there has been nothing expended by the Government from the Chaudi^re to Quebec, although sixteen heavy saw mills are erected for the manufacturing of deals, and not a Crib can pass in low water, where a trifling expenditure would improve the navigation so that Cribs of deals might descend at any pitch of water with the greatest ease. There is not even a shilling laid out by the Government on the Gatineau River towards improv- ing booming, &c., although that river pays a large yearly revenue to the Government from its Lumber operations. ■ .V V -V ■■^I' ^ ■■ ? ..■ . '-^.a-t ':?■>■., ^ :...;■' ;•■;«;,::- -, ^r, sv > ' I remain, dear Sir, -^ ' > ^ - --■ ' ^"^ ^ " Yours, very truly, ' ^ ' ' ( Signed,) R. WRIGHT. ^ . Copy of a Letter from John Egan^ Esquire, dated Bytown, 2nd February, 1848. RuGGLES Wright, Esquire. • Sir, — Enclosed I beg to hand duplicate of the award of Arbitration between you and Government, as well as copy of letter transmitting the same to W. B. Robinson, Chief Commissioner of Public Works, Montreal. I am. Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed,) JOHN EGAN. Copy ofLeUtr to W. B. Robinsortf Eiquiref dated Bttown, 2nd February, 1848. Sir, — Herewith we beg leave to transmit to you the award o^ arbitration between the Government and Mr. Wright, of Slides, at the Chaudiere and Chats, with the privileges thereto connected. The Plans and Sections of the same will be handed to you by your engineer, Thomas Keefer, Esq. We remain, Sir, / Your mo3t obd't serv'ts, (Signed,) THOMAS M'KAY, J. EGAN. W. B. Robinson, Esq., Chief Commissioner of Public Works, '""• ' Montreal. ui : • j; ;- ^ward. To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERX : We, the undersigned, the Honourable Thomas M'Kay, appointed by the Department of Public Works, and John Egan, appointed by Ruggles AVright, as Arbitrators, to arbitrate, adjudge, and settle upon the actual value of the Slides, works, improvements, and privileges connected with the same, belonging to the said Ruggles Wright, situated at the Chats anil at Hull, and by the said Ruggles Wright proposed for sale to the Government of Canada, having taken upon ourselves the burden of the said Arbitration ; having carefully examined the plans and profiles of the said Slides, works and improve- ments, submitted to us by Thomas C. Keefer, Esq., En- gineer of the Public Works ; having ourselves personally examined the said Slides, works and improvements; B I' -1 iil i 64 having carefully, maturely and deliberately considered, and duly weighed the said matters, so submitted to us ; having given the subject so submitted every possible attention and consideration, and having attentively heard and duly considered all the allegations made by the par- ties, have come to the conclusion, and do herebi/ declare, That the actual value of the said Slides, works, improve- ments, and all privileges connected with the same, and all lands overflowed, or which may be overflowed by the said works, and all other privileges and rights proposed to be sold and convey£d to the Provincial Government by the said Ruggles Wright, amount to the sura of Eighteen Thousand and one Hundred and Fifty pounds of lawful money of Canada and no more, a detailed statement of which valuation is as follows, viz r — Excavation already done, say, 11,000 cubic r yards, at 7s. Cd. per yard. Chats, j£4,120 Lands and Privilege? ■», Chata, 1,475 Piers and Slides, Chats, 1,500 Slide at the Clmudiere, Hull, 11,055 iw - Total £18,150 In witness whereof we have herennto set our hands at Bytown, this second day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. :^ ; , ... (Signed,) J. M'KAY, ' ■^■' ■'!=' '-•••■" „, -, , • ,. JOHN EGAN. ^1 — Copy of Letter to Hia Excellency the Right Honourable Jambs, Earl of Elgin and Kincakdine, Governor ' General of Canada, ^c.y ^c, ^c. . v ' Mr Lord, — The high and honourable principles enun- ciated by Your Lordship since your assumption of the 65 office of Governor General of British North America, and your manifest desire to promote the peace and pros- perity of all Her Majesty's subjects in these colonies, assure me that you will pardon the liberty I take in now addressing you, especially as the occasion is one of the greatest importance to me ; my future happiness or dis- tress is involved in the question to which I am about to refer. I have now, My Lord, attained the age of fifty- four years, and am nearly worn out by the constant hardship and fatigue attendftnt upon the settlement of a large tract of country, and upon the prosecution of the Lumber Trade. What have I not suflfered in these la- borious engagements ! Nights and days spent in the lone forest, without shelter, often without food, obliged to resort to the hardest labour, as a protection against death by cold. This, and more, myself nnd kindred have had to suffer, yet, we persevered, and by dint of exertion, unaided by Government, }• ive brought the set- tlements on the Ottawa to what they now are. Before the period of our labours, the Ottawa region was considered of little or no value ; the fact is now otherwise, and sorely have my family suffered in effecting the change. Three brothers were cut ttbwn in compara- tively early life, (their ages being from 35 to 48), leaving each a large family. These misfortunes did not prevent the remaining branches from pressing onward for the ad- vancement of the country, and in particular for the promo- tion of the value and importance of that part in which our lot was more immediately cast. During all this ex- ertion, My Lord, we flattered ourselves, and the pre- sumption afforded no mean support, that we had the ap- proval of the Government of our country. We parti- cularly looked for this approval in the erection of the Chaudi^re and Chats Slides, (a particular to which Your G m 66 M If® Excellency's attention has been drawn in another form.) Frequently had the Government been requested to im- prove the River for the facilitating of the Lumber Trade, but, us Irequently was the question overlooked or neg- lected. At length, did I venture, at my own risk and ex- pence to supply what the trade, and the interest and safoty of the population of the Ottawa so raucli needed ; a ^ My Lord, I exaggerate not when I state that the Vi'OikH at the Chaudiere and Chats cost me not less than £20,000. Had I not been opposed by the works of the Crovernment, (in the way in which Your Lordship has already bee.i informed of,) this outlay would produce £3,000 per annum, and the result, as regards the accom- 'uodation of the public, would, I am persuaded, have been most satisfactory. As it is, my large expenditure has been rendered almrst fruitless, by means of the Tariff estab'ished by the Executive. This injury, together with the unfortunate state of my affairs generally, (occa- sioned chiv^fly by borrowing money to erect these Slides), and the present depressed state of trade, will oblige me to sacrifice all I possess to meet my engagements, unless the Government see fit to purchase my Slides at a fair price. They have been estimated by valuators, ap- pointed for that purpose, with the concurrence of the Comtnissioncrs of Public Works, and although the valua- tion given in the Keport, which is now lying before Your Excellency m Council, does not cover the amount of my expenditure, and allows nothing for the value of the site of these Slides, the unfortunate position into which I have been drivjn by circumstances, over which I could hiwe no control, compel me to say, that I am prepared to accept of the amount of this estimate, (?ay £18,150), ei.hcr in current money, or in Debenturci^, in exchange foi these Slides. If purchased at this piiec, thry would ^\ \-irf.y'' 67 yield o.^ an average, an annual income, amounting to at least fifteen per cent upon the outlay, as I have had the honour of shewing by the statements which accompany my Petition to Your Excellency. Believe rae, My Lord, these Slides are required by the Trade, and would pay the Government well. The signatures of the numerous and respectable parties connected with the Ottawa Ti'ade, which are attached to the Petition in fiivor of my request, (some time since presented to Your Lordship), is good proof of the correctness of my statement, and also of the favourable position towards the country which I occupy, in reference to the origin of these Works. I wish not, My Lord, to impugn the motives of the Execitive in determining to erect the Works on the Chaudiere and the Chu,+8, in opposition to those which individual en- terprise had already supplied ; but, I am constrained to say, that it was untoward proceeding. It has all but overwhelmed me in ruin, and it cannot afford confidence or encouragement to those who may be disposed to em- bark their fortunes, and enlist their best energies in pro- moting the material welfare of the country. The policy of the Government iu entering upon the works in ques- tion appears still more strange, when we consider the fact of their neglect to make necessary, but infinitely less expensive improvements, in other parts where individual effort is doing nothing ; as for instance at the Long Sault, White Horse, Isicore, and the Laprairie Rapids, where the expenditure made to erect a Slide at the Chau- diere, in opposition to mine, would have been productive of much greater benefit to the Lumber Trade. I am almost confounded. My Lord, w^hen I reflect on the whole affair. I know not what to attribute it to. It cannot be meant to injure me, and yet, how palpably calculated it is to do so, without, at the same time tending to that w 'tB^^;i""^' . T^T^-^ * ™V"/ ' '''>^7^*HI?^''o ■ 68 amount of public good, which should alone be the object of a Government in interfering with the rights of indi- viduals. I have never refused to do my best towards aid- ing the Government of my country, in furthering the public good. As one instance, I may here mention that the Railroad on the north side of the Chats, which I took part in starting, and one third of which is my pro- perty, has been the means of saving to the country, an expenditure of at least JE60,000, by rendering it unne- cessary for the Government to undertake the improve- ment of the Navigation of the Chats on the south side of the Ottawa, which hid been so much advocated by Mr. Sheriff; for several years, through the public press, and which could not have been avoided, if the Railroad, or some other means of improving the Navigation be- tvveen the two Lakes, had not been resorted to. I have thus lengthily. My Lord, endeavoured to sup- port my recent application to Your Lordship and Coun- cil, to extricate me from difficulties which the unfortunate circumstance of my interests having come into collision with those of the Government, placed over me. I have again to beg Your Lordship's indulgence, and to assure Your Lordship, that in all I have done in reference to the business in question, I was governed by no un- worthy motive, either towards the Government of my country, or a solitary individual of its inhabitants. I have, &c., &c., (Signed,) RUGGLES WRIGHT. Montreal, 18th February, 1848. w To the three Branches of the Legislature. The Petition of Ruggles Wright, of Hull, in the District of Montreal, in that part of the Province of Canada heretofore constituting Lower Canada, Humbly Reprbsemts : That the late Philemon Wright, the father of Your Petitioner, emigrated to Canada in the year 1800, (when Your Petitioner was about seven years of age) and set- tled on the River Ottawa, in the Township of Hull, about 120 nflies from Montreal, and then 80 miles dis- tant from any settlement — and that his exertions, united with those of his family, were the chief means of forward- ing that now extensive settlement. That Your Petitioner shared largely in these exer- tions, suffered muc!i privation and expended large sums of money in forming roads, erecting bridges, &c., to fa- cilitate general business in that section. That Your Petitioner, in prosecuting the Lumber Trade, in which he became extensively concerned, found that numerous and most trying difficulties attended the descending of timber down the Rapids and Falls. That with a view to obviate these difficulties, and to facilitate as much as possible the lumbering operations, Your Pe- titioner did in the year 1829 construct and erect an in- clined plane, or Slide, near the " Chaudiere" Falls, at very great expense, and that thereby the passing of Cribs of Timber was thenceforth effected with safety and ex- pedition. That before the erection of this Slide, Cribs of Hard- wood Timber and Staves were usually broken up at the •head of the Falls, and drawn past by means of tearo!-', and were then re-rafted below the Falls at an enormous 4;xpense, whereas by means of the Slide above mentioned, m i i ,,/.. , 70 mn a (( these and other descriptions of Timber were enabled to pass through in Cribs at the rate of 5s. per Crib. That Your Petitioner has expended a further amount of money in erecting other inclined planes upon his own property at the " Chats," extending through a rocky country a distance of about three miles, and that these Slides are also highly beneficial to the Lumber Trade. That on the 10th day of March, 1847, a Tariff was established by the Government, regulating the Slide Tolls upon the Ottawa, by the terms of which the use of Your Petitioner's Slides are virtually "prohibited to the trade — inasmuch as by a note to said Tariff it is or- dered that " The full rate for each separate Slide or other " improvement shall be levied on all lumber which may pass through any private Slide, after passing through any part of the Provincial Works." That Your Petitioner seeing that he could not by pos- sibility compete with the Board of Works, and that the operation of the said Tariff would, if he attempted to compote, be utterly ruinous to his interest, addressed a Memorial to His Excellency the Governor General, shew- ing the injurious position in which he was placed by the arrangements of the Government, and submitting to His Excellency that if it were desired that the Board of Works should have the control of all the Slides on the Ottawa, he would forthwith dispose of his Slides at the " Chaudi^re" and " Chats" for a fair remuneration. That accompanying this Memorial to His Excellency, was another signed by a large majority of the merchants connected with the Lumber Trade, praying that Your Petitioner should be relieved from the disadvantage to which he was subjected by the new Tariff, and bearing testimony to the advantage rendered to the trade by the erection of his Slides. 71 That on the 17th December, 1847, Your Petitioner was apprised by letter from the Secretary of the Board of Works, that an Arbitrator had been appointed on the part of the Government to ascertain the value of his Slides J that immediately Your Petitioner obtained the consent of a gentleman to act in his behalf, and that on the 2nd February, 1848, these Arbitrators transmitted a detailed statement to the Commissioner of Public Works, certifying that in their judgment, the value of said Slides was £18,150. That although this sum is considerably less than the original cost of these Slides, yet Your Petitioner readily consented, by letter addressed to His Excellency, to ac- cept it as remuneration, and to withdraw from all oppo- sition to, or controversy wiJi, the Government of his country. Wherefore Your Petitioner humbly prays that Your Honourable House will vote a sum of money equal to the above, for the purchase of his said Slides, or tliat justice may otherwise be done to Your Petitioner in the pre- mises. (Signed,) RUGGLES WRIGHT. Montreal, 7th March, 1848. (Copy.) Public Works, Montreal, \Qth January f 1849. SiRj — With reference to your offer to sell to the Go- vernment your Timber Slides on the River Ottawa, I have the honor, by direction of the Commissioners, to inform you that His Excellency in Council has been pleased to authorize the following terms to be s ibmitted to you for the purchase of your Slide at the " Chaudi^re," which is 72 M ^ignated in the Judgment in< partition pronounced by the Court of Queen's Bench for the District of Montreal, on the 28th July, 1845, as " the Slide constructed for the " passing of Timber at the Chaudiere Falls, on the " north shore of the Ottawa River, together with all the ** damS) coves, wharves and also all the privileges there- " unto belonging" — Price to be £10,000, payable in De- bentures, redeemable in five years, and a transfer made of all the rights and advantages secured by the above mentioned Judgment, for the proper working of the said Slide ; also that you continue to repair the dam which makes . the privilege avalLole for the grist mill and blacksmith's shop, as well as for the said Slide, in so far as you are now bound to keep the same in repair under the above-mentioned Judgment. Should you be willing to accept these terms His Ex- cellency will be prepared to recommend the purchase thereof to the favorable consideration of the Legislature ; and with a view to take the necessary preliminary steps for effecting the purchase, I am to request you will state such security as you will be ready to give for ensuring due attention to the repairing of the Dam. I have the honour, &c., &c. (Signed,) THOMAS A. BEGLY, Secret€uy. Buggies Wright, Esquire, Montreal. , .. I . I , ; I 73 To His Excellency The Right Honourable James, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Governor- General of British Jforth Jlmerica, and Captain General and Governor-in- Chief in and over Her Majesty's Pro- vinces of Canada, J^ova- Scotia, Jfew-Brunswick, and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice-Admiral of the same, Sfc, 8^c., Sfc, in Council. May it please Youu Excellency in Council ; Under the peculiar circumstances in which I am placed, I trust that you will pardon the liberty I take in addressing you ujwn a subject which has already been under Your consideration, especially as the question to which I am about to refer is one of considerable importance to the country at large, as affecting the principal branch of its com- merce, and is of the most vital importance to me, as upon its final adjustment depends whether I shall in future be able to maintain my business and standing in life, or with my family be reduced to misery and ruin. I have received notice from the Department of Public Works, that the purchase of my Hull or Chaudi^re Slide has been determined upon by Your Excellency in Council, allowing me only £10,000 for the same, in Debentures redeemable in five years. In this notice no reference has been made to my Chats Slides, which, nevertheless, I have understood are to be placec' upon a footing of fair competi- tion. This would not have been so unfavorable had I obtained the decision at a reasonable time after my applica- tion of April, 1847 ; for had fair competition never been denied me I would not now have been reduced to my pre- sent position. Since that time, however, you will observe, that two seasons have elapsed, from the business of which I have been prohibited from deriving any benefit, while the unprecedented and monopolising Tariff has had the further If • 74 effect of ruining my credit and stopping all my business ; and this, together with accumulation of interest, costs, losses, charges, and several compromises to avoid the Bankrupt Court, have swelled my liabilities to a large amount, and placed my affairs in a much more difficult posi- tion than they then were. Deduct the amount of JE 10,000, from the amount of my outlay of je20,000, with costs, &f., and there vrould still be a balance of more than half, which I am totally unable to meet in the present depressed state of the finances of the country ; and the remaining portion of my property would, consequently, have to be sacrificed to meet those demands, as money cannot otherwise be real- ised for property at the present time. It is true that in offering my Slides for sale to the Oovernment, under ordinary circumstances, I would have no right to refer to or seek to influence a decision by any reference to such matters ; and I wish it to be distinctly understood, that I do not mean to infer that the Government should be held liable for my misfortunes, further than the injustice of the Government has operated to my prejudice. All public bodies, as well as individuals, are bound to repair the damages they may cause to others ; and, surely, the Government ought to be the first to shew the example. For what, let me ask, should Government exist, unless to protect, not only the interests of the great mass, but also the just rights of every individual? And the moment that the late Government stepped aside from the direct path to crush the fruits of my enterprise, although for the ostensible pur- pose of subjecting my interests to the interests of the public, that Government abandoned its legitimate functions, and became an instrument of oppression. That private inter- ests must uniformly yield to the interests of the public, I readily admit; but not without a just compensation to the mdividual the fruits of whose labour and enterprise may be 75 appropriated to the public use. This principle is admira- biy.set forth in the eleventh Article of the new French Con- stitution, which decrees, that " Property is inviolable ; yet " the State may demand the sacrifice of property for a " public utility, legally established, and in consideralian of " a just and previous indemnity. ^^ In my instance, how- ever, there was not even the excuse of appropriating the fruits of my industry for the public behoof, or for any beneficial purpo^je whatever ; my enterprise was merely crushed, as it were in the mere wantonness of power, and the fruits thereof annihilatod, not appropriated. Although it might have looked worse, the real evil would not have been half as great had the Government seized upon my Slides, and made use of them for the public good, without paying me anything for them, instead of the course pursued of altogether prohibiting their use, by which so much actual capital possesi^ed by the country was virtually annihilated. Of what, let me ask, does the public consist? Each individual is a constituent part of the great mass, and the sucres;? ofthp mass depends upon the individual energy, the individual enterprisp, and the individual success of its con- stituent part^. If then the whole weight of a Government is thrown into the scale to baflde the energies and crush the enterpri.>e of an individual, with what confidence could indi- viduals embark in undertakings of an extensive character either for their own or the public good ? No such confi- dence would exist, and the whole community would sink into misery and ruin. And this I sometmes take occasion to picture to myself as my own position, after all the advan- tages my country and its trade have derived from my exer- tions, and after every honourable effort to realize something for the education of my family and the support of my declining years, I readily admit, that the present Government is in a r« M ^i peculiar position in regard to this question, and cspec'iaily ea with reference to the only sources from which official information can be obtained. I may presume, as a matter of course, that the decision of Your Excellency in Council has been influenced by the Reports of the Engineers, the Messrs. Keefer, who have been connected with the Ottawa Works. Now, I think, it will not be difficult for rae to shew various sound reasons why the Reports of these gentlemen are the last which ought to influence the decision of this question, and the last which, under existing circuui- stances, the present Government ought to be guided by. In the first place, the Messrs. Keefer, with the assistance of the Hon. Wni. M-nis, and a minor tool of his, (for whom he created n situation n connection with the Public Works on the Ottawa,) wi the parties who in fact ori- ginated and established ihe very evils of which I complain, and cannot, therefore, he considered as disinterested and impartial advisers in the matter now. No Magistrate or Judge is allowed to sit on an appeal from his own judgment ; and, I think, the same rule may well be applied to an Engi- neer or a partisan. In the second place, I have every reason to believe that they are a<'-tuate I by feelings of per- sonal animosity towards me ; and this I principally aiiiibute to the unsuccessful results of their first attempts at Slide making on the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers, and the con- sequent ridicule of all the lumberers, who used to refer them to the successful operation of my Slides, from which they were jeeringly told to take a lesson. In the autumn of 1844, while the Union Bridge was in course of construction, Mr. S. Keefer took advantage of his position and office to obtain satisfaction. The approaches to the Bridge pass through a portion of the village of Hull, dividing my factories from my mills ; he closed the passage to both, and also prohibited me from letting in water to propel the same, although the grist- If ■Mill had gr und bread stuffs for the fir?t tattlers, before he was bom. He also planted stakes^ and notified me that he h;nd taken ten feet off my canal, and prevented me from erecting my saw mills, which apace of ten feet has never been u«ed, neither is it necesrary, as it extends to the east of the road leading to the Bridge. In erecting this portion of the ap- proaches to tlie Bridge, as I had givenikt land far nothing, I did consider that, if no indulgence was to be extended to me, the Department which Mr, Keefer represented ought lo have Cfinrttructed the works with as little molestation to roe as possible, or at least without marking me out aw an object for persecution, which was d> ne even to the extent of injuring the works, of which they are a standing record, and which Mr. Christie (the builder) could well toMify. I was thu<>, in conequence of the abuse of his official |)ower by Mr. Keefer, compelled to incur much trouble and expense in procuring a survey and plan of the works, which I for- warded to (government, and thereby got permission to let in the water. I mention this to shew the feelings. by which the Keefers have all aloig shewn themselves to be animated towards me. Again, Mr. Thomas Keefer examined and Chtimated the cost of my works and their value, at the time the arbitra- tion was enteivd into by the lute Government, and by his representations the Arbitrators were influenced in their award. I have, therefore, every reason to request that Your Excellency in Council would be pleased to institute the strictest inquiry into the opinions advanced and esti- mates made by Mr. Keefer now, as compared with those advanced in his former Reports, and the representations he made at that time to the Arbitrators, and upon which their award was based. I have also every reason to say that Tour Excellency in Council ought to look upon Mr. Kee- fer*8 reports and his advice, if not with suspicion, at least il w if 78 with the strictest caution, inasmuch as it ig his interest in particular, and that of his party in general, to urge the MinJMtry to such a course as would meet with public dis- approbation ; and he, having received notice that his t-er- vices are to be dispensed with, it is to be supposed that lie has an additional interest in acting to the prejudice of those who have dispensed with him, and for the benefit of his patrons. I do not speak these things unadvisedly ', and if Your Excellency in Council can find such discrepancies as I believe to exist between Mr. Keefer's late Reports and those of a former period, it will be for you to consider whether his Reports, which I presume you have lately had before yon, are more reliable than the views he enteitained at the time of the arbitration, when the merits of a ju^t decision would inevitably have redounded to the credit of his patrons. I know it is the desire of the Government to act for the pub- lic good, and this with a due regard to the views expressed by public opinion. Now as to the propriety of purchasing the Chats Slides, can it be supposed that Mr. Keefer is as- good an exponent of this feelings of the public and the trade ni the petition got up and signed by the whole trade ? I nuy ihe whole trade ; and by reference to the Returns in the Crown Lind Department of those paying timber dues, it will be seen that it is the petition of the whole trade, with a few individual exceptions, consisting of parties who did not happen to come within reach of it while it was in course of signature. The Arbitrators who decided upon the value of my Slides are of the highest respectability, and are themselves largely interested in the trade and in the expense attending the transport of lumber to market. It was, therefore, their interest to reduce the price of my Slides to the lowest point they possibly could conscientiously, because, through the Government, they were themselves in fact the real pur- lii>- 79 ehasera, iu connection with their brethren and co -partner* in the trade, and were well aware that, as the Tariff would be regulated by a per centoge upon the grosa sum they might award, they would, by awarding an undue amount, be enhancing their own expenses to a corresponding extent. The Arbitrators themselves knew well that their award was under the value of my Slides, and I would not hava acceded to it without calling an umpire, but fur the pecu- liar position in which I was placed, being prohibited from using them myself, and on this account, and with the view of getting an immediate settlement^ (which the state my affairs had been thrown into by the interference of the Go- ve-nment rendered of the greatest importance to me,) I was advised by my frierd^ to accept it. But ins^tead of an immediate settlement, more than eleven months have now elapsed, during which time I have been as it were banished from my wife and family, threatened with bankruptcy, and unable to attend to my business, and yet unable to get this question settled. I would beg to call the attention of Your Excellency in Council to the fact, that the Government was a party to the arbitration, and appointed one of the Arbitrators. Now, is not the Government fairly bound in honour by the award T The time to object was when the arbitration was going on ; either parly might then have had an Umpire appointed, or stated their objections to the whole proceedings. Nothing of the kind was done however — the whole arbitration was bronght to a clo!*e in a most regular and systematic manner. I gave, on my own part, all the information necessary to sup- port my case, while Mr. Keefer in like manner attended on behalf of the Government, and gave such evidence as was necessary to enable the Arbitrators to scrutinize all sides of the question. If such an arbitration occurred between two , V t 80 private individuals— even without an arbitration bond having previously been entered into— would not th6 award be binding upon them in honor ? is then the obligation of the Government less binding than that of an individual under similar circumstances ? I would respectfully submit that tl.j only grounds upon which the Government could fairly set aside the arbitration would be by a new one. If Your Excellency in Council have no confidence in the arbitrators, or the manner in which the arbitration was con- ducted by the late Government, let this be done^ and then I would have an opportunity of again submitting all the derails of my expenditure. This would surely be more likely to lead to an equitable result than being goided by the separate statements of an indivi(]ual,mm«Vtf/ io me, andini- mical to,and -nterested in Imdinfr the Government into error. Let me here briefly advert, to the advantages the trade and the country have derived from my SWdee, which unre _ an invention of my own. I undertook these works at a time when tlie Government, though deriving a considerable sum aunually from the Timber Trade, would not make such improvements ass were even then deemed practicable, and at a time when the very principle which I adopted, though it has since proved so eminently successful, was but an expe- riment. By the success of my attempt at the Chaudidre, tlie great forests of the Ottawa were laid open to the enter- prise of the commercial community, and the Timber Trade — the staple tradeof Canada, — was facilitated and increased beyond the most sanguine expectationa. Prior to the erec- tion of my Chaudi^re Slides, hardwood and staves were drawn ppst at an expense of £5 Os. Od. per crib, and upon the opening thereof I passsd the same for 6s. per crib. Light floating Timber formerly cost 20s. per crib; I passed it also for 5s. The passing of a raft at the Chaudidre for- merly occupied twenty d»ys; by my Slides five or six' ■IJ»l«.l"WH?if« 81 rafiti could pass in one day, thus saving a great deal of time, and admitting of Timber reaching the Quebec Market the same year, which could not otherwise have done so. For- merly we bad to re dress the Timber at an expense of £2 per thousand feet, while the average loss in breaking, bruis- ing, and losing the Timber in the different Falls and Rapids, was estimated at a similar amount. Thi'se direct advantages, derived from my Chaudidre Slides', great as they were, cannot, however, be considered equal to the advantages derived from the invenlion, which is now in use over the whole country, without any Patent right ever hnving been claimed by me to make its public utility subservient to my own. profit. By the invention of Slides, the whole forest of Canada has been brought within reach of market in one year, and, thereby, an increased permanent value has been fixed upon the standing Timber from which the Government derives a revenue of from £25,000 to je30,000 per annum. It may be said that if I had not invented the Slides, the thing is so simple that some other person would. The same may be said of any important invention, ti^AicA is very simple when it is known ; but, which, with less advantage to the public, has made the fortune of the inventor. The advantage derived by the public and the Government from my invention is beyond calcidation, and many a man has had the highest honors of his country conferred upon him for a less important serviie and, at the same time, retained every advantagion, I would earnestly beg of Your Excellency in Council, to take n)y Petition into your serious conside- ration, and, seeing the hardship of niy case, and the injus- tice to which I have been subjected, as well a:^ the fact that it is for the interest of th'? Government to posse -s these Slides, that you will be pleased either to lake them at the award of the Arbitrators, or, as I have no desire to receive a fraction more than they are really worth, establish a new arbitration to ascertain their value to your satisfac- tion. And Your Petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Montreal, December, 1848. jjp»»ifnimipj 85 Copy of Mr. Si^ple'd Petition for remission of Slide Dues for the Chaudidre Slide. To His Excellency the Right Honorable James, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Governor General of British JSTorth America^ and Captain- General and Go- vernor-in- Chief in and over Her Majesty* s Provinces of Canada^ Nova Scotia^ New Brunswick and the Island of Prince Edward^ and Vice-Admiral of the samcy Sfc. Sfc. S^c.^ in Council. The Memorial of John Supple, Humbly Shsweth : That a Tariff of Charges for passing the Government Slides on the Ottawa River was established, by which any timber, after having paased through any of the upper Go- vernment Slides, if it afterwards passed through any private Slide, was charged, not only for the Government Slides which it had passed through, but also for those it had not passed through ; the owner being in such cases obliged to pay for thf Government Slide which he had not used, as well as for the private Sli ie which he had used. That Your Memorialist had a raft which he passed through all the Government Slides in its route until it ar- rived at the Chaudidre, when, unwilling to pay for what he did not get, or to place himself in antagonism with the ettablished regulations, Your Memorialist would have passed i* through the Government Chaudidre Slide also, had it been possible to do so; but that Slide being at the time unapproachable, he was compelled to take his raft to the other side. Your Memorialist therefore passed his raft through Wright's Slida, and in giving bond to Mr. Graham for the Government 31ide dues, required that he should only be 86 charged for the Slides his raf\ had actually passed through, and not have to pay for the Government Chaudi^re Slide, which he had not been able to use, while at the same time he had to pay for Wright's Chaudidre Slide, which, from the state of the River at that time, he had been compelled to use. Mr. Grahnm admitted the fact, and, Your Memo- rialitit believes, will have no objection to certify it, that the raft could not get at the Government Slide, but said that his instructions did not allow of his omitting to charge it. Your Memorialist therefore gfive bond for the whole, but would re.«*pectfully beg that Your Excellency in Council would be pleased to take the circumstances into considera- tion, and direct that the amount charged for the Govern- ment Chaudidre Slide should be remitted. And Y6ur Memorialist will ever pray. > ' Montreal, 24th July, 1848. No. 1. I. G. O., Customs Department, Montreal, Aug. 18th, 1848. Sm, — The Inspector General having had the honour of bringing to His Excellency's notice the Memorial of John Supple, (transmitted through your hands,) praying that a certain amount of Slide dues charged at the Chaudi^re Slide may be refunded, on the ground that he had not used the said Slide, but nevertheless was called upon to pay at that work, as well as all thoise Slides which he had actually used. I have the honour to acquaint you that full enquiry hav- ing been made into the merits of the Petition, it appears that no Tolls have ever been claimed from any party for a Slide through whiclt his timber has not passed. The inten- tion and practical operation of the Schedule of Slide Dues 87 of 18th March, 1847, are to grade a progressive reduction of Tolls to parties using the Provincial Slides, but to exclude from such reduction those who use the upper Slides, and then afterwards give the benefit of their custom at the lower Slides to private individuals. It, however, is stated, that Mr. Supple has always given a preference to the Government Slides when he could use them without loss to himself; but, at the period in ques- tion, there was too little water to allow his timber to ap- proach the Government Slide, consequently he passed his timber through Mr. Wright's Slides ; and, when settling for his Slide dues, claimed to be allowed the benefits of the re- duction granted by the Tariff to those using the Povincial Slides, by reason that it was not by choice that he had used Mr. Wright's Sli le. On which I am to remark, that the Collector only in- sisted on \lr. Supple paying the full amount of tolls on his titnber passing the Ptovincial Slides which he had used» No charge whatever has been made for the Government Chaudidre Slide as regards the raft in question, as it did not pass that Slide. If it had, the reduction which Mr. Supple would have been entitled to by the Schedule of Tolls, on the Slides throughout, would have been equal to the charge on that Slide. Under these circumstances, the Governor General de- clines acceding to the prayer of Mr. Supple's Memorial. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed,) J. W. DUNSCOMB. r« '~ «■ 88 P- • !• 3 '8 "o ui CO v4 rm m* ^4 ai^ »4 ^4 («4 S)oee'«eo9eeeeeeeeeee e oe-^ o e €l o 1 i ^^ i I I O "S s ja Sii •f! 3 i§ « o o « H I II H 5 •a tTirf C~3 C-B = * o » o » o o-S o-S 5-2 * » s » s » e » k S: »• & h to t. o 5 s i S 5 ® 04 aa< goi PCM 0) ? V n a> ,« «< •tJ ".ti *.S S.S O ao o » o <; 3 *-» ■♦* ■** «> J a> * » rt 0) ►Ti^ CtJ utJ" t.T'rf" tTtf I S'O s'O a-o a"o o-o ■ •J S-J S>J Si- S'J*' 'gB'oaj'oa'oi'gDS' •o.STa.S-a J-d-S-o-S- cA B0M C&i S&i s£ *J3 2-a >:•= S-fi 5-c a •« I'sl'ga'g 3'ga'S •o.a-a SMS (2 I 9 •e I w : II i M «> P«3 s-g « St: 9i . • e a, 9% 3 i r a f itj 1 : V : : * ': i 15 1 ^ : U JS : ?rS| j< a • «='S i -gS u i !?0 i : %■ a ugh lit o Lui 2^.3 : -c e 1 * • ** - a III ; w S '2 : 3 > : H^ J 2 f : 3 I *« o 6 9 i ' 1. 1 ^ %m S i^ t ^ c-3 u ..a o • » 1 i ■e o -w 2 r? 8" S.O > i |i ^1 If If i^ 1 ■<3 S a -H 1 i^ M • SI as. 89 Bttown, 12^A November, 1844. Gentlemen, — After the conversation I have had this day with your R. Wright, Esq., respecting your opera- tions in the neighbourhood of the approach to the Union Suspension Bridge from the Hull side, I consider it my duty as the Engineer and Officer of the Board of Works, formally to protest against your carrying them to com- pletion in the manner described by him, since, if so com- pleted, they would destroy the said approach and render the Bridge useless. I understand it to be your plan to make use of the approach in question as a retaining embankment for one side of the mill race which you are now constructing, when at the same time you are w^ll aware that the water, if let into the race, would overflow the road two feet deep and more. This you must know would render the road impassable, and in the end destroy the approach. It cannot be recognised that you have any right, now, to injure this approach, constituting as it does, a portion of a road which has been established by use for up-.vards of 16 years, and I must therefore forbid your connecting any part of your works with it, or constructing them in such a manner as to endanger it; and, linally, you are not to let in the water until you have suflieiently provid- ed (by building an embankment, or an inipnrvious wall of masonry,) that it shall do the approacli no injury. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your very obedient servt.. SAMUEL KEEPER, Engr. Bd. of Worka- Messrs. P. Wright & Sons, Hull. w 90 To ffis Excellency the Right HonouiabU Sir Charles Th£Ophilus Metcalfe, Baronet^ Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, one of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Governor General of British North America^ and Captain General and Governor-in- Chief in and over the Provinces of Canada, J^ova Scotia, New BrunS' with and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vic*' AdtpJral of the same. The Memorial of Ruggles Wright, Senior, and Ai.onzo Weight, of the Township of Hull, in the District of Montreal, representatives of the late Philemon Wright and Tiberius Wright, in their life time, of Hull, aforesaid, Humbly Shkweth : That certain differences having arisen between Samuel Keeftr, Esquire, Engineer of the Board of Works, and Your Memorialists, relative to the construction of the Koa^l leading to the Union Suspension Bridge- at the Chaudiere Fails, on the River Ottawa, Your Memo- jifili^tft arc now obliged to lay the matter before Your Excellency. That Your Memorialists and their fathers have, for more than forty years, enjoyed and possessed, as pro- prietors thereof, that tract of land immediately adjoining the said Chaudiere Falls, where Mills and Machinery have been erected, and are worked by the waters of the said Falls, through certain Dams and Canals there con- structed. That in the year 1828 was completed a certain Bridge, built by the Board of Ordnance of England, at the place where the said Union Suspension Bridge now is, which Bridge landed at Hull, aforesaid, by a road passing n through part of the said tract of Land, which was then allowed by the said proprietors thereof ; and the said Bridge having afterwards fallen, bj decay of the materials, the said road and approaches thereto were left vacant until the said Suspension Bridge was erected and com- pleted in the fall of the year 1S44. That certain improvements for the better management of the water privileges at the said Falls, contemplated by Your Memorialists and their fathers, were, in fact, partly made at a great expense, during the full of this year, and are now nearly completed, which improvements were pointed out to the said Engineer of the Board of Works, (Samuel Keefer, Esq.) in the fall of the year 1813, by Ruggles Wright, one of Your Memorialists, who more particularly indicated unto him a certain Canal and Bywash to be left open (as it had been long before that time), 30 feet wide along the east side of the said Road, leading to the Union Bridge; and that, inconsequence, the said side of the Road should be a cemented wall) in order to prevent he said Road being overflowed by the natural level of u <^. waters of the said Canal. That the said Read, without any permission from Your Memorialists, afterwards, to wit; during the summer last past, 1844, was made of the same width of the Bridge, with wooden rails on both sides, by means where- of Your Memorial iats are deprived of their right of com- municating with their respective properties on either side of the said Road, or any observance made to the streets of the villages intersecting the said Road, there being a Grisi >tr:i wr^, 'jt?^:«,:f# -rd That Your Memorialists being desirons of completiiig the improvements and works by them begun in the fall of this year, and letting the waters run in the said Canal leading to the said Slide, which also furnishes the waters to work the said Grist Mill, Blacksmith's Shop, Trip- hammer, &c., are now prevented so doing by the said Engineer, (S. Eeefer, Esq.) which is a great injury and inconvenience to the public, together with a great loss to Your Memorialists; and forbidding them to connect ai^ pvt of their works with the said Road or side wall of the said Road, so that Your Memorialists cannot keep the waters of the said Canal leading to the said Slide within the same; a small recess alone only would be sufficient, (if erected to correspond with that made in the wall on the other side of the Bywash, until such time as the Road can be constructed, so as not to be injured by the water at its natural level, flowing into the Canal and Bywash) to keep the waters from entering the said Bywash and Canal. , , 93 That Your Memorialists being so prevented from com- pleting their Improvements and Works as originally com- menced by themselves and their fathers, will be grievously injured, and their individual enterprise will suffer great damage by reason of their not having the free enjoy- ment of their said water privileges at the Chaudi^re Falls. , . , , ., ^ Th.tt communications were had with different Officers of the Board of Works, and not having yet received any answer from the President of the said Board, and tl>e season being so far advanced, Your Memorialists are forced to submit for Your Excellency's consideration, their present prayer, and beg to refer to the plan ard copies hereunto annexed, of the communications where- by several of the above allegations will appear more fully. Wherefore, Your Memorialists pray that Your Excel' lency may be pleased to take the matter into your con* sideration, and relieve Your Memorialists in the premises; and to order that the said Road leading to the Bridge from Hull, as it is now^ be made so as to prevent the water at its natural level Ir the Canal or Bywash, injur- ing the approach to the Bridge, and to remove all ob- stacles preventing Your Memorialists from communicating on their respective properties (and enjoying the same,) and their water privileges at the Chaudi^re Falls, as of right belong to them. • And Your Memorialists, &c. -'lA-.-r «;• i .«>-''/ ••-J i ^p^ ;j i>:i ^^ I i i*! : ) • Board op Works, Montreal, 29th May, 1845. Gkntlemen, — With reference to your Petition to His Excellency the Governor General, praying for protection from an alleged infringement of your rights by the Pub- lic Works at Bytown, I am commanded to inform you that His Excellency in Council has taken the same view of the matter as the Board of Works. « . The Board conceive that you are at perfect liberty to make whatever improvements you please on your own property, provided they do not prove injurious to your neighbors ; but, as in the present case, the improvements intended would destroy the public road, if not carried out in the manner required by the Board, it is for you and not for the public to bear the expense necessary to secure the road from injury. I am further desired to state that there is not the least disposition on the part of the Board to obstruct you in the free enjoyment of your properties to the fullest ex- tent compatible with the interests of the public, and they are ready to afford you every facility that shall not in- terfere with the safety and usefulness of the Publio Works on the spot. >t > I have the honour to be, r iJ, Gentlemen, i i • _ Your very obedient servant, THOMAS A. BEGLY, Secretary. Messrs. R. h A. Wright, Bytown. X )45. to His tection iPob- m yov 5 view iTiy to ir own your omenta iarried Dr you lary to e least rou in «t ex- 1 they lot in- Publio iry. X