IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. /. & 7. 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■^ 1^ 11112.2 ? '" IIIIIM 1-4 IIIIII.6 Va <^ >> 'c>l ^?^ > O^ >/ y >^ 4. \ '^^ O c , * -^ ^v CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 Technical Notes / Notes techniques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Physical features of this copy which may alter any of the images in the reproduction are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Certains ddfauts susceptibles de nuire d la quality de la reproduction sont not6s ci-dessous. 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In response to the Requisition signed by more than one tlioiisand of your number, largely composed of persons of political, business and soc- ial influence, and fairly representing the general sentiments of Reformers as well as of many others who wish to serve the cause of good Govern- ment, I have accepted the position of Candidate for the vticant seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, lately tilled by Mr. Adam Oliver, but who has generously withdrawn his claim for re-election in his desire to see the Refoini Party in the Riding consolidated, and the Government strengthened in my being placed in a position to satisfy the constitutional rule of responsibility to the Representatives of the people by having a seat in the Legislature, there to explain, defend or account for the administration of my Department. Without such a qualification I had no intention of continuing a member of the Govern- ment, and from the time of my defeat in East Toronto I was desirous of being relieved from the position unless the opportunity was presented within a reasonable time before the Legislature could be convened of my being elected for another Constituency. The adverse result in East Toronto cannot be attributed to political issues, for a large majority of the intelligent vote was cast in my favour. From that time to the present I have been induced to retain office in the Government by the generous assurances of the Premier and my Colleagues ; and of leading Reformers in many parts of the Province th»t my presence in the Government was desirable, and that eflforts to secure me a seat would not be omitted. The Requisition you have honored me with is one of many proofs of this feeling, especially as otherwise I have no claims upon your favor or to the pati'iotic withdrawal on the present occa- sion by leading men amongst you of their just aspirations of representing inthe Provincial Legislature the interests of the Riding. The only claims I can present to you are such as may have arisen during the four years in which I have been entrusted with some share in the conduct of the public affaire of Ontario in aiding to shape its policy and 2. ADDRESS. to frame and guide measures of Legislation, and in administering several important Departments of the Government. Through that y)eriod I have endeavored to do my duty, animated sokdy l)y the dt^sire to be of some use to my native country in helping for>vard its career of moral, intellectual and material progress. If elected by your favorable consider- ation, it will be my pride and pleasure to perse; vei-e in this path of duty. Under a Constitational Government, which secures the greatest liberty to the individual, and the strictest .'iccountability of the Govern- ment, the fullest scope is given'for the exercise of the intelligent energies of our people. We can look for this in Reform principles, and from the Government which is true to them. In order that you may have some means of more fully judging of what the lieform Government has done during the past four years, I have prepared a record of its administration, which I propose to circulate amongst you in pamphlet form, and which will aid you in more f'dly understanding the responsibility and work of a Government which has to fulfil for Ontario all those national and sovereign duties which have been entrusted to it as an independent political authorit3^ Amongst such duties there is a paramount one of promoting the development of the Province, and this can be accomplished mainly through such a liberal policy of dealing with the public domain that it may be freely opened for settlement by the vouth of the Province upon such inducements as will counteract their being attracted elsewhere, amongst which may be mentioned increased facilities for communication to areas of valuable land in our Province which yet remain for settlement. I would be unworthy of being a Canadian did I not take some part in our career of progi-ess, and it is in >our power to give me at the present time the ability to do so. I propose to take every opportunity of making my views on public questions better known to you. I am, Your obedient servant, ADAM CROOKS. Toronto, 21st A'lgust, 1875. REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. FOUR YEARS' RETROSPECT. e 1 X >e le rt be ,ic "No Canadian would be able to breathe freely if he thought that the " persons administering the affairs of his country were removed beyond the " supervision and control of the Legislative Assemblies." — Li/rd Dufferin's Speech, ^Jaiiuda Club {London, July 'Mh, 1875). THE Second Parliament of the Province of Ontario assembled on the 7th December, 1871, Mr. Saiidtield Macdonald being the leader of the Government, and Messrs. M. C. Cameron, Carling, E. B, Wood and Richards the other members. On the 19th of the same month that Government resigned office, and Mr. Blake was called upon to inaugurate the first Reform Government of Ontario, with Messrs. Mackenzie, Mclvellar, Crooks, Scott, and Gow as his colleagues. The defeated Government had in the general election of March, 1871, been arraigned before the ele( tors for a violation of the Constitutional principle, that no persons entrusted with the administration of public atFairs should place themselves beyond the control of the people through their represeni tives in Parliament. One of the charges in the indictment against that Government was that, relying upon the strength derived from a combination of parties and interests, the Govern meut had in the expiring Parliament, carried through, in spite of the determined opposition of Mr. McKellar, Mr. Blake and the Reform representatives, an Act by which the sum of $1,500,000 was placed under the control of the Government with power to ai)propriate the same in their discretion in aid of certain classes of railways, and which Act practically allowed such selection or discrimina- tion within these classes as the Government might choose. — See Act Old. StciL, 1871, j?. 12 " An Ad in aid of RailvMys.'^ That Government was further charged Avith establishing Public Institutions in such localities as would send representatives bound ♦^o them as '* out and out " supporters. Belleville and Brantford wt^e prominent instances of this, while grass was to be be allowed to grow in tlie streets of Hamilton because that city had sent Mr. Williams, an unswerving o[)ponent, as its representative. Tlie same Government had also been charged in the Legislature, and before the electorate, with assuming to govern the Pi'ovince by their own 4 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. arbitrary will and to make themselves the masters instead of being the servjints of the people. In the absolute control of the Railway Fund, and in the conditions of support from the localities to be benefited by the expenditure of public money, the defeated Government had sought means for the aggrandizement of their personal power through securing a subservient following in the Assembly. In the debate, in 1871, on the resolutions respecting the Railwity Fund of $1,500,000, Mr. Blake moved in amendment that " while mak- ing due provision in aid of railways, a large part of the available sur- plus should be distributed according to population amongst the differ- ent Municipalities for permanent works, or in redemption of debts contracted for such purposes, and, with respect to Municipalities indebted to the Municipal Loan Fund, towards the satisfaction of such indebtedness." — See Jnmrnals Leif. Ass.; 1871 p. 129. This motion was defeated by a vote of 51 to 25, which represented the Reform strength in the first Parliament of the Province. In the session of 1868-9, when an appropriation of ^75,000 was asked by the Government to establish a Deaf and Dumb Institution, Mr. McKellar moved in amendment that, "this House has had no oppor- tunity of expressing its opinion as to the place to be selected for the new Deaf and Dumb Institution, and that before any expenditure of money be made in respect thereto the Grovernment ought to submit the selection made to the consideration of the Legislature." This was lost by 21 yeas to 40 nays. — See Journals, 1868-69, page 87. In the session of 1869, on the appropriation of ?75,000 for a Blind Asylum., Mr. Boyd, a member of the Reform opposition, moved in amendment that, " this House ought to have an opportunity of ex- pressing its opinion as to the place to be selected for the Blind Asylum before any expenditure of money be made in respect thereof " This was lost in a vote of 22 to 53. — -See Journals, 1869, jt). 143. Mr. Boyd then moved that " the said Resolution be referred back to the Committee of Supply for the purpose of specifying certain localities to which, or some ol" which $200,000 will be applied, so as not to leave so large a sum of money to be expended at the mere will of the Executive without a previous vote appropriating the same as far as possible to particular works." This was also lost on a vote of 24 to 49. — Page 145. In the session of 1870-1, on the appropriation of $150,000 for a Central Prison, Mr. Boyd moved that '* this House regards as one of its most important privileges, the having control of all the moneys of the Province, and will consider itself as failing in its duty were it to divest itself of that privilege with respect to the money to be expended in the construction of the Central Prison, and leave the selection of a site therefor to the arbitrary will of the Government." This was lost on a vote of 20 to 41. — See Journals 1870-1, p. 200. By such and similar motions the Reform party placed on record a clear enunciation of the vital principle of Constitutional Liberty, that the Government is only the administrator of the affairs of the people and I' FOUR years' ItP^TROSPECT. 5 must be subject to the supervision and control of their representatives, while the Sandfield Macdonald Government in thus obtaining unlimited power of appropriating the Railway Fund, and of locating Public Insti- tutions, placed itself in a position to threaten the independence of Kepresen- tatives and Constituencies alike. With such large appropriations in their liands, and at their unrestricted disposal, the Government of Sand- field Macdonald proposed to retain jjaramount authority at Toronto, by following a similar system of influencing constituencies and their members, which, at Ottawa, was supposed "by Mr. McDougall to have secured to the Government of John A. Macdonald the control of the new Dominion for ten years at least, with $15,000,000 of Inter-Colonial Railway money in its hands, and with the selection of one of several rival routes.— &e speech of Mr. IFwi. McDougall, at Itefarm Conventim, June '2Sth, 18G7. During the General Election, which followed the session of 1H70-1, localities and railway companies were sought to be brought under the invssure of the power which the then Government arrogated to itself. Support was sought to be secured by promises of Orders in Council for railway projects, while these were studiously held in abeyance as l>ledges of allegiance. Fifty-five miles of railway, being extensions of the Northern Railway were alone aided, and this was a concession extorted by the persistency of the promoters, shortly before the session began. — See Order in Council, dated lith October, 1871. ^•.uion of the Legislative As- sembly, so as not to leave so large a svui as 11,500,000 at the disposal of the Executive without a vote of this House appropriating the same to particular works." — See Jozt'.nals, 1871, p. 18. After a protracted debate, the amendment was. carried by a vote of 40 to 33. The Government was directly condemned by the further amendment that " the House had no confidence in the Ministry which is attempting to carry out, in reference to the control of the said fund of $1,500,000, 6 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. an usurpation of authority fraught with danger to public liberty and constitutional government." — Journals, 1871,^. 24. These repeated conderaations being unavailing, the House passed an address, by a vote of 44 to 25, setting forth — •" That this House has re- ceived His Excellency's gracious reply to the Address of this House, adopted on Friday last. " That this House was invited by His Excellency's Ministers to con- sider the gracious Speech of His Excellency, delivered at the opening of the Session, and to proceed with the work of the Assembly, notwith- standing that some of the constituencies were unrepresented. " That this House was thus declared to bt, as it in fact was, and is competent in its present state to deal with all questions which might be brought before it. " That the discussion of the jjroposed Address in reply to His Excel- lency's gracious Speech involved the question of the approval or con- demnation of the policy of Ministers, and they themselves, in the course of the debate, challenged an expression of the feeling of this House to- wards them. " That Ministers have been defeated in each of the four divisions which have taken place, and liave never had control of the House. " That the Ministerial policy on a most important question has been condemned and reversed by a decisive vote of this House which has de- clared its want of confidence in the Ministers. " That the Provincial Treasurer "lias, in consequence of the hostile attitude of the House, resigned his office. " That the continuance in office of the remaining Ministers is, under existing circumstances, at variance with the spirit of the constitution. " That the Supplies voted by this House will lapse on the 31st day of December, instant, and this House would be wanting in its duty if it should not, before that time (as was done under like circumstances last year), make provision for the expenditure, under Ministers possessing its confidence, of the moneys necessary to carry on the public service until the final Estimates for the ensuing year can be voted. ■' That this House regrets that the remaining Ministers should have advised His Excellency to continue them in office, and humbly prays that His Excellency will be graciously pleased to consider of the repre- sentations contained in this Address."] The resignation of Mr. Macdonald's Government immediately fol- lowed, and the record of the Reform Government in Ontario begins with the triumphant vindication of the nrincijde of the Responsibity of the Government to the governed. The new Government under Mr. Blake proceeded to discharge its duty under a full sense of that responsibility. Accordingly the appropriation of the Railway Fund was by an Act {Ont. Stat. 1871-2, cap. 23) in the same Session made subject to the control of the Legislative Assembly, and it was enacted that without the sanction of the Assembly, expressed by resolution, no Order in Council could be operative. re its FOUR YEARS RETROSPECT. 7 The nrgency of the claims of different Railways for aid from this Fiiad, and which had been kept as anxious expectants by the late Government, soon became manifest, for in the same Session the duty was imposed upon Mr. Blake of submitting for the consideration of the House of Assembly the claims of ten Railways which would give increased facili- ties of communication to important sections of the Province from the Eastern to its Western limits. The House of Assembly ratified all the proposed grants of aid without any division, except in two cases, where the vote was G2 to 7 and 64 to 3 respectively.— ^'(!c Journals, 1871-2, pp. 234, 236. Mr. Ca- meron himself and most of the Opposition leaders &nd their friends voting for both resolutions. Amongst the yeas on the resolution were — Messrs. Cameron, Carling, Lauder, Kykert, Boultbee, Ardagh, Boulter, Code, Corby, Deacon, Fitzsimmons, Hamilton, McCuaig, McRae, Mon- teith, Read, Scott (Grey), Tooley, Ac, all pronounced opponents of the Government whose resolutions they supported. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Rykert, after giving these votes, factiously pretended that they had not had time to consider the Orders in Council, and Mr. Cameron moved a Resolution to that effect, and laying down certain proposed rules for the future, but so groundless did all parties consider the pretence to be, that in a House of 53 members the motion had but 9 suppoiters, many pronounced member of the Opposition de- clining to vote for this useless motion. Amongst these were such well known Conservative members as Messrs Ardagh, Boulter, Code, Deacon, Read, &c. Mr. Blake also sought to further limit the influence of the Executive, over members of the Legislature, by an Act which precluded the no- mination by the Government, of any member to any office of profit, such as in the case of Rp.ilway Trustees, and other notable instances. 35 Fie. cap. 3. To enable the functions of the Provincial Government and Legisla- ture to be freely exercised in the Provincial interests, Mr. Blake by another Act abolished " Dual Representation ;" so that the same person became incapable of being a Member of both Provincial and Dominion Legislatures. — 35 Vic. cap. 3. The Imperial Act which establishes the scheme of Confederation, commits Provincial interests to the care of a Provincial Government and Legislature, while matters of general concern are entrusted to the Dominion Parliament. Both have independent spheres of action ; and, within these spheres are independent of each other, and possess com- plete Legislative and Executive capacities. Under the previous Govem- meu'. this autonomy of the Province of Ontario was in jeopardy, but by the Act abolishing " Dual Representation " greater strength was given to Provincial independence. — B. N. A. Ad, 1867. Mr. Blake's Government was formed during the session, and without the opportunity of previous preparation of measures. Other Acts of importance were, however, passed, which evidenced, like those already mentioned, the fidelity of the new Government to the principles of re- \ V >4 REFORM aOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. form ; and amongst these Acts was a measure giving a private person the right t^' sue the Government. Stat. Vic. 35, PMps. 13, 16. Married women were protected in their right to hold property and earn wages, and the feudal rule that her existence was absorbed in that of lier husbrMid was thus far changed. 30 Fie. caps. 12, 14, 15. Amendments were made in other legal rules to make them consistent with common sense. For tlie promotion of Agriculture and the encouragement of Arts and Manufactures, a now system and larger measure of encouragement were estal)lisht'd ; a more efficient mode of reclaiming lands by drainage was provided. 35 Vic. cap. 33. Increased provision wr.s made for the encouragement of railway enter- prises. Government officials paid by fees were disqualified as members of the Assembly. Power was given to Committees of the House to administer oaths to witnesses, and other useful and beneficial Legislative reforms were effected. The Act which abolished -'Dual Representation " transferred the whole services of Mr. Blake and Mr. Mackenzie, to the larger arena of the Dominion, and the important questions which arose there soon deman- ded their undivided energies. The Government at Ottiwa was then endeavouring to perpetuate its domination over the constituencii^s and their representatives through the large means afforded by the Pacific Railway, just as the first Goverimient of Ontario had, less than two years previously, sought similar means through the Railway Fund of controlling the independence of those of the Province. A political coincidence followed, for in September, 1873, the same fate met Sir John A. Macdonald's Government at Ottawa, as had, in December, 1871, overtaken Sandfield Macdonald's Government at Toronto ; and the Reform Party under the same leaders, again triumph- antly Vindicated the principle of the responsibility of the administra- tion to the representatives of the people. Second Session. The Seco.id Session of the Legislature of Ontario began on the 8t January, 1873, with Mr. Mowat as the leader of the Reform Govern nient, having accepted that position in the month of October previously This Session lasted for nearly three months, and the valuo and impor tance of its labours can be best understood from the volume of Statutes the Journals of the House, and the Sessional Papers which record them. The Acts of that Session are 163 in number, of which 50 relate to matters of general public concern. Two pressing subjects which Mr. Sandfield Macdonald's Government had been unable to grapple with, were settled to the general satisfaction of the people of Ontario. The obligations of municipalities indebted to the Province for large amounts borrowed from the Municipal Loan Fund of the former Province of Canada were re- f FOUR years' retrospect. 9 diiccd by the application of gonoral principles, overy where assented to so as to be brought witliiii tiie ability of the ninnicipalitiea to meet them ; while on similar principles municipalities which had met their payments were recouped ; and justice was (lone to non-borrowing municipal'ties by a large distribution of the surplus funds of the Province, to aid them in works or objects of a permanent nature. The boncHcial effects of this measure of legif^lation w«^re at once seen in the rapid revival of the municipalities which hud been oppressed by the weight of their munici- pal (hibt, and in the impetus given to iniprovemeutsin every part of the Province. This measure was founded upon principles which freed it altogether from the imputation of political or local partialities. *lr. SandfieldMacdonald's (Jovernment had made two abortiveattempts for the simplification of the Municipal Law, and when they were called upon to meet the second Parliamenf 'n December, 1871, were not pre- pared to deal with the subject. In the Session of 187.'}, the consolidation of the whole Municipal Law was successfully accomplished, and more than 1,000 sections of the ex- isting law were condensed into a municipal code o*" one-half that number. In the Lieutenant-Governor's Speech at the opening of the Session of 1871, his then Government had informed the House that commissioners had been appointed, composed of eminent judges and counsel, to " in(|uire into the operation and etfecl of the present constitution and jurisdiction of the several Courts of Law and Equity of this Province, with the view of ascertaining whether any and what changes and improvements may be advantageously made, so as to provide for the more speedy, economi- cal and satisfactory discharge of the business now transacted in the said Courts." — Journals 1871-2, p. 4. After the change of Government these commissioners were relieved, and " the Administration of Justice Acts" (3G Vic, c. 8j 37 Vic, c 7), introduced by Attorney-General Mowat, have been found a simple and practical remedy in respect of the matters to be inquired into by that Commission. Important amendments were also made in the law to secure the purity of elections. The elective principle was introduced into the governing body of the Provincial University. A lien in favour of mechanics for the first time became part of the Statute Law of the Province. The Acts relating to Mutual Insurance Companies were consolidated, and their operations based on proper principles. Other Public Acts of that Session respecting agriculture and arts, im- migi-ation, drainage, the public health and the like, evidence much pro- gress in legislation for the general welfare. The House of Assembly also ratified grants of aid in favour of six new railway projects, and approved of Orders in Council under which railways previously aided were freed from embarrassing conditions. Only one of the resolutions for those purposes was opposed, the 10 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. largest vote against it being 12, while Journals, 1873, pages 256-336. 55 members voted for it. — See Third Session. When the third Session of the Legislature met on the 8th Januarj'' 1874, the Lie. enant-Governor congratulated the House upon the com- pletion of several railways, and upon the progress made by others in consequence of the assistance granted from Provincial funds ; and the Lieutenant-Governor was also able to inform the House that the people in every part" of the Province had favourably received the Act of the former Session for the settlement of the debts to the Municipal Loan Fund, and for the distribution of part of the surplus funds of the Pro- vince amongst the unindebted municipalities. The Lieutenant-Governor was also able to mention that while questions of great difficulty in ad- justing the sums to be paid or received by municipalities had arisen, yet they had been satisfactorily adjusted according to the rules and princi- ples laid down by the Legislature. That session was scarcely less fruitful in important measures of legis- lation han the session of 1873. — Sec Ontario Stat. 1874, 1st Session. The Franchise was extended so as to embrace a class of persons with only an Income qualification. A simple and efficient machinery for the revision of voters' lists was devised, and results were thereby attained equally satisfactory with the system of Kevising Barristers in England, and at h, very inoJ'^rate expense for each municipality. The principle of voting by ballot, which had long been struggled for, by the Reform party, was at length carried and embodied in a Statute. The solemnization of matrimony which under the old conditions had caused numerous cases of doubt was simplified and past irregularities were remedied so that there is now little room for legal question as to past or future marriages — and the Government fee was at the same time abolished. Further Reforms were made in the procedure of the Courts, and the anomaly which existed in distinct Courts of Law and Equity was further lessened. The efficiency of the Courts was secured by the ap- pointment of new Judges to sit in appeal and to assist Judges in the other Courts. Questions relating to Education which for many years had been agitating the Province were settled, and the whole School Law con- solidated into codes. A new principle of responsibility was introduced into the Council of Public Instruction by making several of its members elected representatives. The advantage taken by numerous bodies to become incorporated under the general Acts respecting benevolent societies, and for joint stock companies have ^^ready demonstrated the wise policy on which those Acts were founded. An impetus unknown in former years was given to the development and progress of the various industries of the FOUR YEARS RETROSPECT, 11 Pi()vince by the ready incorporation of persons for the promotion of such objects. The duty of granting Licences for the sale of Hquor was taken from th(! irresponsible Inspectors, and placed within the control of the Police Commissioners and Municipal Councils, and these are now the licensing bodies with whom the entire responsibility rests, while the Government has taken power to require the provisions of the law to be observed. Four Railway Companies intended to serve important sections of the country, during this session were aided out of the Railway funds. Only one of the Resolutions was opposed, but it was adopted by a vote of 49 to 13. — See Journah Assembly; 1st Sessi.n, 1874, j). 221. Fourth Session. The fourth or last session of the second Parliament met on the 12th Nov., 1874, and the Government was able to carry through all the measures of legislation which had been indicated in the speech of the Lieutenant-Governor. — See Ontario Stat. 1874, 2nd Session. Inequalities in the representation of the Province were removed, and an increase made of six additional members. The Election Law wjvs further improved by imposing additional checks against bribery and corruption, and to facilitate the procedure in trials. The title to lands was made more secure and less difficult of proof by the Act which lessens by one half the time formerly allowed for bringing actions against the person claiming to be o'. 3r in possession. The principle of the ballot was extended to Municipal Elections. The House unanimously approved of the new arrangement entered into between the Dominion and Provincial Government for the pro- motion of Immigration. — See Journals Assembly, 1874, />. 71 ; and also unanimously ratified twelve Orders in Council relative to aid granted to as many companies. The report of the Commissioners showed that much progress had been made in consolidating the whole statute law applicable to Ontario. — See Journals AssemUy 1874, M Session, Appendix. Executive Adminstjjation. The four volumes of statutes which contain the legislation of the four sessions of the second Parliament of Ontario, demonstate the wis- dom of the system of ( 'onfeileration, under which Provincial and local questions are committe 1 to the jurisdiction of a Provincial Legislature, as well as the industry, ability and foresight of the Government which vas charged with the cuty of initiating, introducing and supervising the different measures for the consideration rf the Legislature. The Pro- vincial Government in its executive capacity is entrusted with large duties and responsibilities in the administration of all matters of pro- vincial concern. In their respective Departments they have the control 12 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. and direction of a!l matters relating to the administration of Justice ; to thf Finances of the Province ; the Public Buildings and Works ; tlie promotion of Agriculture Arts, and Science ; the encouragement of Immi- gration ; the oversight and conduct of the Asylums for the Insane, and Institutions for training the Deaf, Dumb and Blind ; for the care and reformation of Criminals and for relief of the sick and indigent. The management of Public Lands and timber ; the Courts for the adminis- tration of justice ; all Educational matters, including higher education in the Provincial University ; the inspection of Hospitals and Charities, and generally all matters which are requisite for the welfare and good government of the people of Ontario, devolve upon them. When the Reform Government took office, in December, 1871, tlu- finan- cial position exhibiteil a surplus in invested funds of $3,037,979, wiiich was chargeable with $1, 500^000, the amount of the Railway Aid Fun FOUR years' retrospect. 17 Total Assets '. $9,402,48(3 02 Total Liabilities 4,074,910 14 Surplus $5,387,575 88 h addition to the Lia])ilities named, the Province has pledged itself to the payment of $100,000 per annum for the 17.V years yet unexpired of the "Kailway Subsidy Fund." The income derived from invest- ments alone will largely exceed that -sum, whilst $1,157,250, of 5 per cent, investments would suffice to meet and extinguish it. If that sum were deducted the net surplus would be $4,230,000. Statement of Kevenue and Expenditure. Revenue. Expenditure. Surplus. Year Ending 31st December, 1868 « cts. 2,260,176 49 2,625,179 29 2,500,695 70 2,333,179 62 3,060,747 97 2,962,315 56 .« cts. 1,192,3,56 78 1,444,608 83 1,580,663 21 1,816,866 78 1,847,9.5() .57 2,460,212 23 ij cts. 1,067,819 71 1,180,.570 46 920,032 49 516,312 84 1,212,791 40 502,103 33 Do 31st December, 1869 Do 3l8t December, 1870 Do 31st December, 1871 Do 31st December, 1872 Do 31 St December, 1873 Total 9 months to .30tb September, 1874 15,742,294 63 2,413,228 89 10,342,664 40 1,708,145 36 5,399,030 23 645,083 53 Total to 30th September, 1874 18,155,523 52 12,110,809 70 6,044,713 7fi Included in the above figures of " Expenditure " are the undermen- tioned items, which are really Investments on " Capital account.', viz. : — 1 . For the improvement and erection of Public Buildings for vari- ous Provincial purposes. 2. The Agricultural College and Experimental Farm. 3. For the construction of Public Works for Navigation and other purposes. 4. The cost of certain " Drainage Works," executed by the Gov- ernment, repayable by an annual rental charge. Of these items, Nos. 1, 2 and 3 amount to $2,289,575 11 Do 4 do 190,284 07 Deducting these 2,479,859 18 from the total figures of expenditure given above 12,110,809 76 there remains the sum of 9,630,950 58 as the actual expenditure of the Province for all its ordinary purposes for the entire period named. 18 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ON'iARIO. The transactiona of the Prov-nce, from 1st January, 18G8, to 30th September, 1874, have been as follow : — Cash on hand, Ist January, 1868 $120,229 66 Revenue, 1st January, 1868, to 30th Sept., 1874 18,155,523 52 Total Receipts 18,281,753 18 Ordinary expenditure, 1st January, 1808, to 30th Sep- tember, 1874 9,630,950 58 $2,289,575 11 Net excess of Revenue over Ordinary Expenditure to 30th September, 1874 $8,650 802 60 Out of this has been paid from Ist January, 1868, to 30th September, 1874— On " Capital Account " — Public Buildings Public Works Agricultural College ^' and Farm On Grants — Paid account " Railway Aid Fund" $790,428 00 Paid account " Railway Subsidy Fund" 30,569 90 Paid account " Distribu- tion to Municipalities " 724,673 30 1,554,671 20 3,844,240 31 Leaving Surplus of Revenue invested and in cash (as shown above under "Assets") 4,806,556 29 II. Central Prison. 1. Amount of original contract with John Elliott for main building and wings, two shops, a warehouse, and part of yard wall $129,321 00 2. Necessary works omitted in contract : — Iron cell doors, locks, gratings, gates, &c $21,496 69 Water supply 12,500 00 Extra foundations and levelling 18,000 00 Gas fixtures for workshops 1,802 00 Cut stone joints for cells and windows, inetead of brick 21,000 00 8 FOTTH YKARS' RETROSPECT. 19^ Other works provided in Estimates of ^«72 15,321 00 Superintendence 3,275 96 Internal structures 3^500 00 '■ 9G,89r) 65 3. Machinery and land, included in original appropriation of Macdonald Government 36,000 CO 4. Further erections required before Prison could be used — viz. : Laundry, coal sheds, bakery, water-closets, &c 16,500 00 Fence round Prison grounds,, roads, &c.. 8,fOO 00 Railway tracks and wall extension 11,000 00 36,000 00 Amount required to complete Prison, according to first contract $298,216 65 5. Additional expenditure as follows : — 84 additional cells 27,000 00 Damages by storm 13,000 00 Prison clothing (chargeable to main- tenance) 4,500 00 C. Additions and alterations consequent on contract with Car Company, for foun- * dry, workshops, shafting, pulleys, fans, hoists, and other permanent fixtures... 71,353 00 7. Superintendence (extra) and all ot^er charges 12,325 78 128,178 7^ $426,395 4 3 Accommodation being for 336 prisoners, instead of 252, or one-fourth more. Estimated returns from labour under contract of Car Company for 260 prisoners, are — For first 2| years $39,000 00 " second " 43,000 00 " third " 47,000 00 Which would make the Prison self-sustaining. III. Sale of Lake Huron Timber Berths, October, 1872. Amount of bonus at sale $592,501 50 Ground rent for season 1872-73 10,064 00 $602,665 50 Interest included in notes given 366 13 $603,031 63 ♦20 DEFORM UOVERNMENT IN ONTAKIO. l;j berths finally forfeited, on which the bonus amounts to 49,290 00 (Jroundrent 896 00 50,180 (10 Net amount $552,845 03 Paid in 1872 230,340 23 1873 282,762 25 519,108 48 To be collected in 1874 $33,737 15 IV. Valuation ok 20 Years Debentures. SlOO at 5 per cent, to return 6^, worth ... |83 34 ' 6 " ♦' " ... 94 45 " 7 " " " ... 105 55 $100 .it 5 per cent, to return 7, worth 78 64 " 6 " " " 89 32 " 7 " " « 100 00 V. Municipal Loan Fund Debts and Surplus Distribution Scheme. 1. Total amount payable from the Provincial surplus to Municipalities, according to the Act 30 Vic, cap. 47, under the revised schedules $3,115,733 G6 2. Total indebtedness of Municipalities, as reduced under the Act 2,386,424 00 Deduct debts of Renfrew, Lanark, Eliza- bethtown, and Brockville, settled by arrangement with Canada Central Railway 556,292 00 1,830,132 00 Represented by Debentures in sterling money, bearing interest at 5 per cent £364,400 For sale in England ...., £313,300 Retained for sale in Canada 51,100 364,400 3. The Debentures fell due in different amounts annually, from 31st December, 1874, till .31st " 1892, and the last on 31st August, 1893. The prices were regulated so as to net the investment less than 6^ per cent, on the longest dated, due August 31st, 1893, and less than 7 per cent, on those due December 31st, 1880, which comprised all for sale in England. fy FOUR years' retrospect. 21 Prices tlien wore, for those Rfttt' of Intt'rent. at 84 under GA. '« 88 " Oi. " 90 " fij. (a) due 3 1 St August, 1 8 "J 3, or lther agents, the debentures have been realized at the prices named. Even at the risk of false int(!rpretation upon my action I could not without failure in my mission, and consequent detriment to Provincial interests, have omitted to avail myself of the C'olonial Trusts Corporation as the most suitable agency for carrying out the object en- trusted to me by the Commission and Order in Council. VI. Constitutional Rule as -fo Memi^eus of the Government HAVING Seats in Paklia.ment. The Resolution to condemn Mr. Morrison is in the ilournals of the Legislative Assembly of Canada, 1862, page 42 and reads as follows: — " That this House being convinced that one of th9 UKFOllM HOVEllNMKNT IN ONTAHIO. principles. Why, that ha'l just as much to do with rftHponsibh^ govern- ment as it had witli ecclesiastical hivv. (Laughter.) What was respon- sible government 1 Before it was granted the Go\-ernors of Canada were not l)ound to liave advisers whose views were in accordance with the wishes of the peophi as expressed in Parliament, aiitl was similar in po sition t(> the Governors of what are called Crown Colonies. Now. how- ever, he must tak(f tlunn from the party which is in the majority, and whftlmr the whole administration, or any })art of them, wiue out of Par- liauKMit, did not affect the (piestion at all, because; if Parliament chose to give its confidence to an ' dministration, not one of whom had a seat in either House, it might, in us omnipotence, do so. (Hear, hear.) All the peo[)le could ask that every act of the Muiistry, whether executive or administrative, or an Act of Legislature, should V)ein accordance with their well underst,()od wishes, as made known by their representatives in the Commons. When he said, therefore, that the allusion to the principles of responsible government had no relevancy to the subject, he was, in the strictest sense, correct, because whether •■'. minister was in or out of ]\arltament In; was etjually )'eHpon."i!de. " And again Mr. Morrison's not having a .seat was not a thing to be objected to ))v the opposition, but to be regretted by the Government. To carry on the Government it was of course desirable to have as many nit-mbei's of the Government in the House as ])ossible. Sir Kobert Peel, when the members of the Cabinet were without .seats, said to Col. Sib- thorp that, although it would be a great advantage to have them in the House, he was content to forego that advantagt\ Then he had the Sec- retary ibi- the Colonies out of the House for a long time, and yet it was not contended for a single moment that he had conmiitted a breach of the Constitution in not finding him a seat. The Hon. gentleman (Mr. Macdonald) wouM repeat the sentiments of Sir Kobert Peel and of Lord John Kussell, both great statesmen, who possessed the confidence of oi> posite parties, and i)ronounced their views, and were thus, when united, a perfect constitutional authority. The Flon. gentleman (Loranger) could not explain away the fact that Sir John Campbell, afterwards Lord Campbell, although Attorney- General for England, could not get aseaL and did not. • * * • " He continued to act as Attorney General, having all the responsi- bilities of an Attorney-General until the Government went out, just as if we had gone out last session, Mr. Morrison wouM have gone out too. * * * * " The principle was of course the same whether a member of a Govern- ment was out of the House for a few weeks, or months or years. If it was a constitutional principle that a man had no rig.it to be a minister without a seat in Pailiament, the rule was broken just as much if he was out for a few months as if he was out for 20 years. He would now take the next case quoted by his friend, that of Lord ]J*almerston. ***** " Now it was sometime in June or July before Lord Palmerstou was elected. Between April and that time he was theref'ue advising the FOUU VKAIIS UETHOHPKCT. 23 Crown ou a most imjtortiuit l)nincli (»f public iiirairs. whicli mij,'ht h vo plun^tMl Kui^larid iiiLo a war, atid cost litir millions of nutnoy. lit* %s all that period willumt a seat in eitlicf llouso of Parliament, yet no one proHimied to say it was unconstitutionftl. '* # # * ** He (Sir Kobert Peel) affirmed that there was nothinj,' in the Consti- tutio which required m nibers of the (rovernment to be in rarliameut, and his layiiifj; down thuu doctrine had never beer disputed. * # # ' # (After quotinj^' Sir Kobert Peel's speech in answer to Col. Sibthorjt.) " III that answer Sir Kobert Feel clearly laid down the doctrine that the position of a minister without n stmt in Parliament was quite allowable ; at the same time admitting;, however, the desirafiility, foi uh(*.i)urpose of strenj^theniuf^ the (Toveniment, of having as many ministers as possible on the floor of Parliament." — Leader, April i>th, 1802. Mr. M. C Cameron said he had not read anywhere that it was neces- sary in order to carry out responsible government that Her Majesty's ministers should bo on the floor of the House. It was only necessary that they should command the confidence of the majority of the people's representatives. VII. Agricultural Colleoe and Farm. The chief facts concisely stated are: In February, 1871, Sandfield Macdonald's Government obtained an approi)riation of ;?100,000 for this pur[)ose, and purchased (JOO acres of land at Mimico Station, about 7 miles from Toronto, at a cost of 845,!K)0. Plans of certain proi)osed buildings were prepared, and tenders for their construction accepted on loth November, 1871, amounting to 847,1)00. No progress had been made when Mr. P>lake's Oovernment was formed in Session of 1871, and it found on further irwestigation that an addi- tional sum of $44,774 would be required for drainage, wat<^r supply, heating, farm buildings, fencing, roads, superintendence, furniture, plans, &c., for which necessary matters no provision had been made previously. This would have involved a total expenditure of about $150,000. It was further discovered that the character of the soil was such that sev- eral years and a further large expenditure would be required to bring it into a suitable condition. It therefore appeared that the selection of this property originally was a blunder, and that the interests of the pub- lic demanded a change. The matter was referred to the Council of the Board of Agriculture, and they reported " that the locality was not such as to render it desir- able for an Agricultural College ; * * * that the soil is bad j * * * that there is no living water on the farm, so that the necsss&ry supply could only be added at a great and continuous cost," and their conclusion was " that the scheme as at present projected would end in failure, even in the event of a large expenditure of money." The report was adopted on the 23rd February, 1872, without a divi- sion, the following members being present, Mr. White, President, Hon- 24 REFORM GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO. Oi'able J. Skead, Honorable D. Christie, George Graham, Professor Buck- land, Nathan Clioate, Andrew Wilson, James Young, M.P., R. McNab^ Robert Gibson, M.P.P., The Rev. J. C S. Bethune, Irvine Diamond, L. E. Shipley, J. Geo. Murton. (See Sessl Papers, No. 32, 1873, i?. 21.) In June, 1872, a Committee of the Council again visited the property, and reported " that although they had seen the property under pecu- liarly favourable circumstances they saw no reason to change or modify their former opinion." Their views were corroborated by references to other persons of skill and experience. When Mr. Mowat became Premier in October, 1872, a Committee of practical farmers was also requested to examine the property. This Com- mittee was composed of James Cowan (Gait), John Dunlop (Woodstock), Robert N. Ball (Niagara), John Miller (Brougham), and John Dryden (Brookliu), representing both political parties. The (Jommittee reported their views "that judging the soil in all its bearings we are forced to the conclusion that it is not suitable , to the proposed Model Farm, and could never by its results show the capabilities of the average farm in Ontario. We find a very deficient supply of water, no running water on the farm, nor are there any indications of surface springs, and the only dependance for a water supply must be by expensive works at the lake, or by wells at difiFerent points on the farm." (See No. 32, p. 32.) Members of the Agricultural Council and of the Committee, at the request of the Government afterwards visited several properties in order to obtain a more suitable location, and the result was " that the Council reported to the Government in favour of the acquisition of the property of Mr. Stone, near Guelph. The Council were of opinion " that the buildings on this farm, with little alteration, would be suffici- ent for the purposes of the College and Experimental Farm for some time to come, that the building were worth at least $30,000, and that the farm was an eligible place for the purpose of the College and Farm." The committee also expressed the same opinion. (See p. 34.) Mr. Stone was a Conservative, and the purchase of his property could not be ttributed to favouritism, but solely in the public interests, and the change of site and this purchase were approved of by Resolution of the Legislative Assembly on the 11th March, 1873. The purchase price of this farm was $70,000. Financially the change has saved the Province nearly $30,000 in expenditure, and there is be- sides the value of the Miraico property about $50,000 more, making the Province a gainer of about $80,000 by the change. The Government was induced to appoint for its first principal, Mr. McCandless, but subsequent experience disproved the high qualifications which it was represented he possessed by the authorities of the Cornell University, Mr. Gold win Smith and others. His appointment was an untoward circumstance for the Institution, but since the change in the principalship it is making fair progress and increasing in usefulness, ' Toronto, August, 1875. . t (' ADAM CROOKS. ■'