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 12 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
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^ 
 
 <^^ 
 
 s* 
 
 
 : '.-it. 
 
.^^' LETTER 
 
 ON 
 
 'FREE TRADE, 
 
 ,1 
 
 AND 
 
 NAVIGATION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE, 
 
 ADDRESSED TO THE 
 
 ^^ EARL OF ELGIN AND KINCARDINE, 
 
 OOVXRNOR-OENERAL OF HER MAJESTY's NORTH AMERICAN POSSESSIONS ; 
 
 /^^BY JAMES BUCHANAN, ESQ., 
 
 /late her MAJESTY'S CONSUL AT NEW YORK:^ 
 
 WITH 
 
 AN APPENDIX, 
 
 SHEWING THAT IT IS CONTRARY TO THE LAWS OF ENGLAND, 
 
 TO RAISE A REVENUE FROM THE MANUFACTURE OF 
 
 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, AS ABETTING CRIME. 
 
 TORONTO: 
 
 SCOBIE & BALFOUR, ADELAIDE BUILDINGS, 
 
 KING-STRECT. 
 
 1846. 
 
 PRICE ONE SHILLING. 
 
■4. '?.- 
 
 .(. 
 
 y: 
 
 '.i» 
 
 ' />■ 
 
 
 » J 
 
 .\ 'i: i 
 
 .1 
 
 y 
 
 L.t . 
 
 r i 't 
 
 K '* 
 
f~:/ 
 
 Falls op Niagara, 
 .. ... 15th October, 1846. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Elgin and 
 Kincardine, Governor General, <fec. <fec. &c., 
 the following observations in relation to Free 
 Trade, as it respects Canada, are respectfully 
 
 . submitted, by his Lordship's obedient humble 
 
 servant, 
 
 J's. Buchanan, 
 
 Mt Lord, 
 
 Having for twenty-seven years had the honour to 
 -^ hold the office oT British Consul at New York, 
 although unconnected with this province, I was led, 
 from what I had heard of Canada, on the arrival of 
 emigrants a^ New York from the United Kingdom, 
 who came to ask my advice, to turn their attention 
 to Canada; and, from my representation to the 
 Secretary of State, I was authorised to recommend 
 loyal subjects for free grants of land in the province, 
 and to aid them on their journey. During the 
 years 1817-18-19, I forwarded above fom^ thousand 
 settlers, by some of whom the settlements of Cavan 
 and Monaghan were commenced, and for loyalty, 
 industry and enterprise, they are not inferior to any 
 portion of her Majesty's subjects, — ^while for years I 
 also forwarded numbers to other parts of the province. 
 In eonsequence of this I became deeply interested 
 
in the prosperity of Canada, and determined, from 
 all I had heard and seen of the province, to adopt it 
 as the country of my children, for whom I purchased 
 considerable tracts of land ; and at this hour, to my 
 great comfort, thirty of my family reside in the 
 province. I merely refer to these facts, my Lord, to 
 shew that probably no other subject of her Majesty 
 has a deeper interest in the country. 
 
 Moreover, being unconnected with trade, manufac- 
 tures, or commerce, I stand free from the natural 
 and legitimate inducements to advocate certain mea- 
 sures ; and from the experience my official duties 
 afibrded, and having been called upon by the late 
 Lord Wallace, when at the Board of Trade, to report 
 upon several measures in relation to the trade of 
 these colonies, and honoured by frequent confidential 
 intercourse with several of the Governors during my 
 Consular duties, I stand, my Lord, in a different 
 position, as to the subject of trade, from any other 
 subject identified with the province. While I beg 
 leave to state I was early convinced, and uniformly 
 so stated to all gentlemen connected with the Colo- 
 nial Office and with the government of the colony, 
 " that in order to preserve British connection, and 
 the prosperity of the province, freedom of trade and 
 exemption from a dominant church should be enjoyed 
 by all the colonists; so that no subject of the crown, 
 if loyal and obedient to the laws, should be regarded 
 with less favour on account of his adhering to his 
 religious views, and that so long as a contrary policy 
 should continue to operate in the most remote degree. 
 
such would necessarily diminish, in the feelings of all 
 BO circumstanced, attachment to British connection.'* 
 
 Pardon me, my Lord, thus stating facts well known, 
 that I may not bo viewed as trimming with the time, 
 in advocating principles which some years ago had 
 few supporters, and which are opposed by many 
 amiable men, also deeply interested in the welfare of 
 the province, viz : Free Trade and Religious Liberty 
 in its fullest sense. 
 
 The sentiments expressed by the great Lord 
 Chatham should appear in letters of diamonds, set in 
 plates of gold, and placed in all halls of legislation. 
 The question in substance was, '* What shall we do 
 for trade and commerce ^*' His Lordship answered, 
 " Let them alone.** 
 
 The clamour of the day is " Protection." A fas- \ 
 cinating term ; as it is an appeal which enlists the ] 
 finer feelings of the strong in behalf of the weak, and J 
 for ages, like many erroneous principles, has been the ^ 
 flag borne by advocates for popular favor, as well as 
 upholders of monopolies. Yet, let us bear in mind, 
 all advocates of the latter class may be placed as 
 interested, where the term refers to trade or manu- i 
 factures, who, particularly in the United States, 
 instead of being the weak have become the strong, 
 yea the lords and aristocracy of the country; they 
 are the powerful advocates for monopoly, sustained 
 under the plausible term " Protection/' which term 
 should be replaced by that of " Injustice** to the 
 people. In support of this charge, I ask, who are 
 
 / 
 
I 
 
 I 
 
 those protected by sustaining monopoly ? Surely not 
 the people, as the consumers are taxed by the extra 
 price they have to pay to support the monopolists ; 
 yes, those who go on foot, or plain waggons have to 
 i pay to enrich those who ride in their carriages. 
 V-''^rotection, to be just and equitable in the honest 
 ^, sense of the term, if it did not embrace all, certainly 
 should include the great body of the people ; while 
 protection as to trade and manufactures only embraces 
 the few, so that the many are taxed to benefit the 
 few ; wherefore I apply the term injustice, to what 
 the advocates of monopoly call '* protection." The 
 principle is so anti-democratic, so manifestly unjust, 
 that I do not wonder to see the entire democratic 
 party in the United States, boldly resisting what they 
 term an aristocratic principle and monopoly, ruinous 
 to all states, in proportion as the people have been 
 subjected to it. But ap the master mind of Sir 
 Robert Peel has at length given way to the long and 
 arduous struggle for freedom in trade, there is little 
 ^^oubt but a new and prosperous era will follow, and 
 that the remaining restrictive drags, called protection 
 and monopolies, will be cut loose, as well as the 
 accursed system of slavery ; so that with steam, 
 energy of industiy, and the electric fire of mind which 
 pervades the Anglo-Saxon race, the United Kingdom 
 and the United States may, under the protection of 
 equal laws as to person and property, go forward in the 
 honoifrable race of prosperous and friendly rivalry, 
 irhile other nations, unless awakened from the incubus 
 of aristocratic and protective systems, will remain in 
 their lethargic state. 
 
 > 
 
 \ 
 
My Lord, justice will say, *'iny brethren mid | 
 fellow-subjects claim a preference in my dealings :" / 
 true ; but if my brethren neither will be allowed, nor 
 can accommodate me, unless at a sacrifice on my 
 part, I ask upon what principle of justice, should I be 
 taxed and punished for their advantage i 
 
 Viewing the monopolists, comprising the great 
 manufacturing, and mining companies of the United 
 States ; as it respects their rank, influence, and luxu- 
 ries of life, comparable with the British aristocracy, 
 including the West India proprietors and landed 
 interest, opposed to free trade in corn ; these are all 
 united to require that the entire people should be 
 taxed to uphold their respective classes ; yet not one 
 of these classes have to devote one day in 365, to 
 labour, or yield one drop of sweat, to afford food for 
 their families. 
 
 S^V' 
 
 OJ 
 
 I now turn to the protection, contended for by 
 electioneering candidates, in favour, as they call it, 
 of our Canadian farmers, which I denounce as injut" 
 tice to the community at large, without increasing 
 their advance in wealth, or general improvement; 
 and I ask, upon what principle can such be claimed ? 
 save to retaliate for the imposts upon our produce on 
 importation into the United States. So that inju^ 
 tice begets injustice ; yet it is called by both — ffro^ 
 tection! I shall examine the ground on which it 
 is claimed in favour of my fellow-subjects, the 
 Canadian farmers, in whose prosperity I am deeply j 
 interested. 
 
I 
 
 I ^ 
 
 \ 
 
 Is tho cliinate of Canada inferior, or more un- 
 healthy ?*•' Is the quality of the land inferior? Have 
 they to pay more for their lands ? Have they, in 
 general, greater difficulty in reaching a market ? Are 
 not their local assessments under their own control ? 
 Looking at the lands some time under cultivation, 
 all admit (including citizens of the United States), that 
 I ever conversed with, that in all these natural advan- 
 tages, the Canadian farmer has a decided superiority, 
 save some of the newly opened townships as to market. 
 In justice, however, I am bound to admit, that while 
 the United States farmers are not required, to contri- 
 bute to the support of the general government ; as 
 is also the case with the Canadian; yet they are 
 :;^xempt from duties on tea, coffee, molasses, sugar, 
 tobacco, as well as some other articles of necessary 
 consumption. While I have no doubt, but in justice 
 to the*' provinces, as all favour is to be withdrawn 
 from their exports to the United Kingdom, the impe- 
 rial duties will cease to be levied in Canada. Where- 
 fore then, have the residents in many parts of Canada, 
 who have to purchase any portion of their household 
 wants, produced by their fellow-subjects, to pay for 
 meats, butter, cheese, and all kinds of bread-stuffs 
 and grain, from ten to twenty-five per cent.; while 
 for furniture, machinery, harness, hardware, with 
 many of the necessary fabrics from the States, used 
 in clothing, a still higher rate has to be paid than in 
 
 ♦ In respect to climate, I have in view that part formerly known as Upper 
 Canada ; while fever and ague, and many diseases common in the United 
 States, are not known in Lower Canada; and in my neighbourhood, the 
 ^ disease called consumption is unknown. 
 
 
the Statefl, arising from what is termed protection 
 but from which, I have no doubt, the free trade prin- 
 ciple, if honestly carried out, will relieve us, and 
 prove of incalculable advantage to the province at 
 large, by the emulation it will give rise to. 
 
 My Lord, I openly avow my conviction (as 1 am not 
 a candidate for a seat in the Provincial Legislature) , 
 while I am aware I shall, for some years, suffer re- 
 proach, that so long as wo have the protection under 
 which we now suffer, I view Euch as a premium for 
 indiO lenco and want of energy in the groat body of our 
 agriculturists and working jjeople ; and that from that 
 emulation which freedom of trade would introduce, all 
 residing in the province, who have to sell, would 
 adopt the energy so manifest outcrossing the frontier 
 into tha States. I feel pleasure in having seen in 
 Ikomib districts, farming industiy well rewarded ; some 
 old Putch loyalists, some few Scotch, but chiefly 
 those from the United States, give proof of the suc- 
 ..ci^s attending energy and attention, to an impro^^n^ 
 etate of cultivating their lands, particularly from sub- 
 soil or deep ploughing ; while I regret that the produe- ' 
 tion of butter and cheese, fattening of sheep and cattle, 
 j^ave been as yet but partially regarded. Yet, from 
 the price of labour, such pursuits would prove more 
 advantageous ; and as population increases, and the 
 subject better understood, the dairy, and rearing of 
 cattle, will, I doubt not, become general. All en- 
 gaged in relation to the dairy must bear in mind, 
 that it is by the head the cow gives milk ; without 
 the supply there be abundant, the return to the pail 
 
 J 
 
10 
 
 win be scant. I would suggest the great advantage 
 of the cultivation of lucerne : one acre properly culti- 
 vated, would prove an ample supply, for some year««, 
 for four cows during the season of grass being scarce. 
 Bran, shorts, or Indian meal should be given daily 
 with the other food (if lucerne be not cultivated), to 
 produce abundance of milk. The disgraceful, as 
 well as unprofitable state, of milch cattle and sheep ; 
 -with few exceptions, is evidence of want of attention 
 to that source of profit, and demands punishment, 
 rather than what is called protection. The little 
 attention hitherto paid to the breed of cattle, sheep, 
 and pigs, is a reproach to the province. While in 
 justice, the efforts made by Sir Peregrine Maitland 
 to improve the breed of pigs, is ith that of the late 
 Mr. Gait ; also of the Hon. Mr. Fergusson, Dr. 
 Hamilton of Queenston, Mr. Prince of Sandwich, 
 and some others, as to fine cattle and tillage, — such 
 gentlemen should be regarded as the best friends of 
 .he province. 
 
 It may be asked, would I throw open our ports to 
 he United States ? Certainly not ; but upon terms 
 of just reciprocity. While, from my knowledge of the 
 leading and influencial men in the States, I have no 
 doubt, if the subject is approached through a proper 
 channel, ^uch will be met in a spirit of liberality and 
 good feeling, notwithstanding the clamour as to the 
 late reduction of the tariff by Congress ; such cla- 
 mour being used for electioneering purposes, arising 
 from that deplored evil, and so considered by all 
 respectable citizens, viz., '' Universal Suffrage," 
 
11 
 
 vantage 
 It culti- 
 e yearfl^ 
 
 scarce, 
 m daily 
 ited), to 
 jful, as 
 
 sheep ; 
 itention 
 jhment, 
 e little 
 
 sheep, 
 hile in 
 aitland 
 he late 
 n. Dr. 
 idwich, 
 — such 
 inds of 
 
 )rts to 
 terras 
 of the 
 .ve no 
 proper 
 y and 
 to the 
 h clar- 
 rising 
 >y all 
 
 s oK 
 
 the cancer of the United States, and tic doloreux 
 all in office.^'' 
 
 1/ My Lord, from the result of much observation, it \ 
 has long been my opinion that the abolition of all 
 custom-houses, and all restraint on commerce, would 
 be productive of great prosperity. But the long 
 existence of the system has raised so many guards 
 against such a desirable state, that the object cannot 
 be approached but gradually. At my advanced period 
 of life, I can have no hope to see even a near approach 
 to it ; yet, as sure as just principles of liberty gain 
 ground, and the energies of men are freed from all 
 impolitic restraint in commercial intercourse, fifty 
 years will not pass before the vexatious exactions 
 and fetters on human enterprise will gradually pass 
 away ; while the upholders oi protection will be placed 
 among the] enemies of their country's prosperity* ^ 
 When we take into consideration the vast expen- 
 diture connected with the collecting of the revenue, 
 arising from commerce, including the buildings, and i 
 host of officers necessarily connected with the wyU- \^ 
 tem, I conclude that a small portion of the indirect I 
 taxation, all are subject to pay, would be ample« for/ 
 
 * The great evil of universal suffrage, is, that it has lowered the respect- 
 ability of the Electors ; placing men who have no stake in the country, on the 
 rame footing as to voting, with those who have much to guard and much to 
 lose. The remedy is, by raising the character of the elected, and that alone 
 , can be effected by doing away with daily pay. There is now no state in the 
 anion, but abounds with honorable and talented men, having much at stake, 
 ready to fill the halls of legislation ; who will consider (as it ever should be) an 
 honor to devote a portion of their time to the public service 1 These views 
 accord with the sentiments of honorable and talented citizens, not inferior to 
 any class of men on earth, but who are trodden down by universal suffrage. — 
 From this awful evil, I trust Canada will b'. saved ; as any industrious sober 
 man, by the labour of his.4)&n hands, in less than seven years, can acquire 
 property to vote, and none but men having a stake in the country should have 
 the privilege. 
 
12 
 
 the support of the state ; provided any approach to 
 new England economy prevailed, while all reflecting 
 men not in office deeply regret, the great increase of 
 extravagance, which has arisen in the Administration 
 of the affairs of this Province since Lord Sydenham's 
 
 time.' 
 
 / 
 
 After this digression my Lord, I turn again to the 
 subject of trade. Nearly eighteen years ago, I pub- 
 lished a pamphlet in relation to the navigation of th6 
 St. Lawrence : being in office, I did not affix my name 
 to it, while it was known I was the author, and I was 
 honored with abuse, (as I shall be for this effort), but 
 ^aper shot, I ever regarded of little importance, as I 
 was aware the time would come, when the principles I 
 advocated would be approved. That period has to some 
 extent arrived, while care must be taken, that the 
 interest of the Empire may be kept in view, of which 
 I trust Canada may ever remain a patt, firtnly 
 persuaded the prineiples I advocate is essential to 
 such continuance. An Empire, With which, nond 
 that has yet existed since the creation, has been 
 productive of so much good to man, both as it reSpeets 
 his temporal and eternal interest. The following is 
 the pamphlet, and I respectfully intreat, your 
 Lordship, to bear in mind, the period at which it 
 was written, as some of the restraints then existing, 
 ^have been modified. It bears date 20th Nov* 1828 ;-^ 
 
 A — 
 
 / • Tho following fi.tract is from the Quebec Gazette, in reference to thd 
 I creation of public debt : — " Indeed since we have got elective institUtiblM 
 1 responsible government, or self government, the whole eountrv is in the hig^ 
 [ road to excessive taxation, under which * free trade' will aflbrd very Uttlft 
 \ relief, as it will be impossible to sell cheap, and support the tax gatherers, aiMt 
 \ those who live on the money, or quarrel about it." 
 
 tsmr 
 
'i 
 
 18:— 
 
 13 
 
 The Opening op the Navigation op tiie St. 
 Lawrence Considered. — Fifty years since, the 
 Island of Cuba, or Port of New-Orleans, was deemed 
 by not a few essential in the English scale, to coun- 
 teract the influence which the United States would 
 one day exercise in relation to British supremacy on 
 the ocean ; the present trade of the T\ estern States, 
 and great extension of the United States was not then 
 in Tiew. The trade by the Mississippi, it may be 
 stated, will, in a few years, outrun the most extrava- 
 gant estimate, notwithstanding the efforts which are 
 making by the States of New- York, Pennsylvania, 
 Maryland and Virginia, by means of the canaht and 
 railroads now in progress, to draw part of the com- 
 merce from its natural outlet, the Mississippi, through 
 these Atlantic States. Such efforts are by artificial 
 means, and are onerous, clogged with many obstacles, 
 and will entail heavy and unavoidable imposts. If it 
 be BO important an object to the Atlantic States, to 
 draw a portion of the western commerce through their 
 artificial ducts, what should be the policy of Her 
 Majesty's Government, when they look at the map, 
 and perceive that the great British outlet by the St. 
 Lawrence washes a lake and river navigation of about 
 four thousand miles running into the Western States, 
 and reaching towards the Rocky Mountains ? As 
 it is deemed so important by the States to *ncur 
 so much expense in making canals and railways, to 
 obtain a portion of the trade, is it not worth serious 
 reflection on the part of Her Majesty's Grovemment, 
 to consider how far British interests may be promoted 
 by opening the navigation of the St. Lawrence 
 
 *- 
 
 7 
 
to the western trade of the United States? The 
 subject should be taken in a two-fold light ; politi- 
 cally and commercially — and, first, politically : 
 
 May we not view Quebec as possessing all the 
 ' advantages which the politicians to whom I referred 
 allowed to New- Orleans, provided the navigation of 
 the St. Lawrence should be thrown open ? The 
 States of Vermont, New- York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 
 Michigan, to which I might add Kentucky and Ten- 
 nessee; by means of the canals now in progress, would 
 all become deeply interested in the free navigation of 
 the St. Lawrence. Far be it from me to adopt the 
 Machiavelian policy of cherishing distinct interests 
 between the States, in order to promote British 
 /interests ; on the contrary, my aim is to perpetuate 
 peace by giving an interest in the navigation of the 
 St. Lawrence, which would be destroyed by a war, 
 as it cannot be understood by any but by such as have 
 been resident in the United States, what an amazing 
 influence a s malH nterest. cast by a judicious policy 
 into the scale of any party, can produce on the public 
 measures of the Republic. But setting apart any con- 
 siderations tending to keep alive British interests in 
 a people not subject to the Crown of England, I will 
 endeavour to show that the opening of the trade of the 
 St. Lawrence is a measure fraught with interest to 
 Canada and to the British Empire : and here an 
 objection may be stated by such as will allege that 
 the opening this trade would create a school for navi- 
 gators inimical to British interests, who would be 
 ready to unite in conquering and separating Canada 
 
 i! ! 
 
16 
 
 from England. Results of a character quite opposite 
 to this doctrine may be expected, when the navigation 
 of the River is opened as every man whose trade 
 would lead him to the West, would become interested 
 in ever y measure tending to preserve it open, and 
 as has been hinted at, hostile to what would interfere 
 with, or interrupt it. 
 
 Let the Americans bordering on, or connected with 
 the lakes and river, feel they have an interest in the 
 open trade of the river, and the general government 
 of the United States will find it difficult to enter into 
 a war so long as we possess Quebec, thereby wielding 
 such power of checking or promoting the interests of 
 their commerce ; nor will they readily support any 
 President, or any measures which may endanger their 
 commercial prosperity. But to leave these high and 
 momentous questions to the statesman, it may be 
 fitter to meet the objections which will flow from the 
 adoption of the proposed measure. 
 
 There are some who fear that the trade would be 
 chiefly carried on by Americans, and that French 
 and China goods would be introduced into Canada. 
 That such might be introduced into the United States 
 by that channel, in consequence of the high tariff 
 lately passed in the States is probable, but the mea- 
 sure contended for can excite no fears as to a contra- 
 band trade injurious to British interests. In fact, 
 the danger arising from smuggling would rest entirely 
 with the States. But if the British merchant enjoyed 
 the same privileges in the China trade as the Ameri- 
 can merchant, great advantages would arise to the 
 
16 
 
 Port of Quebec, separate from the dutie« that the 
 introduction of these foreign articles would supply to 
 the Colonial Treasury. 
 
 The narrow and selfish policy of the East India 
 Company, though driven to send teas to Quebec, still 
 operates on those arrangements, which private mer- 
 chants would obviate, not only in the selection of 
 teas suitable to the market, but also to sell them at 
 such ta rate as would make the market of Canada 
 assume that position as to the United States, which the 
 latter recently possessed in relation to the Colonies, 
 viz., the warehouse for the supply of thQir teas, and 
 ^^ India manufactures. 
 
 Another cause of apprehension, is the admission of 
 American produce or manufacture into Canada, 
 This objection could only be made by those ignorant 
 of the trade, as the protecting duties and charg^^ 
 being equal to fifty per cent., on importation which 
 the manufacturers deem inadequate to enable them to 
 compete with the British ia the United Bt»te6 ; in 
 fact, there is no article of coneumption in the Canadas 
 but what may be afforded by the British mnch lower 
 
 ^ than the American manufsusturer, jid by thus opening 
 
 the navigation, British msdaufactures caji and will 
 find their way into the heart of th« United Btates. 
 Did clearer views prevail as to freedom of commerce, 
 there is no part of tho empire wher€ it eould be exer* 
 cised with more effect for the advantage of Uie Britiisih 
 manufacturer and shipping interest than in Can<aia. In 
 the opening of the trade, I would propose to xsofofiiie the 
 y Americans to carry to the dea the produce of 4Mr <wm 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
17 
 
 / 
 
 soil only, and to bring up such articles only as were 
 to be landed in their own ports. 
 
 In like maimer^ British vessels should alone convey 
 to the p'^rts in the United States, on the St. Law- 
 rence, or Lakes, such articles as arc supplied by 
 Canada. The policy of admitting American vessels 
 to the navigation of the Canada canals, under thu 
 above restrictions, is further evident, as enriching the 
 province by the transit, and •the consequent expendi- 
 ture thereon ; but, by such concession on the part 
 of Her Majesty, a coj'responding arrangement might 
 be looked for in opening the canals of the Union to 
 British boats, on the same terms to Her Majesty's 
 
 ubjects, as the citizens of the United States should 
 enjoy in passing the British canals ; as such facilities 
 would enabxC the colony to convey by the Erie Canal, 
 to Jamaica, the flour, pork, and beet of their market, 
 
 ,nd in return bring back rum, molasses, and salt from 
 the Bahamas, so essential for curing provisions for 
 the West India markets. The flax-seed, also, which 
 could be raised in large quantities in Upper Canada 
 for which is paid annually to the United States, 
 £150,000 sterling, could be sent to Ireland by the 
 game route ; for the want of which privilege the 
 growth of that article has not been cultivated, as the 
 late opening of the St. Lawrence precludes the ship- 
 ment, until at a season too far advanced beyond the 
 period of sowing that crop in Ireland. 
 
 The writer of thege observations has fully consi- 
 dered an arrangement to guard against any abuse of 
 the privilege by either party in the proposed trade, as 
 
18 
 
 5 
 
 \ 
 
 ^; 
 
 it respects smuggling, which it is unnecessary to set 
 forth at present, as also to guard against the vessels- 
 or boats of either carrying other than the produce of 
 and for their respective countries. These he is pre- 
 pared to communicate ; indeed, he sees in the mea- 
 sure of a regulated free port in Canada as it respects 
 the products of France, China, and other countries, 
 consequences of such vast magnitude, and of such a 
 bearing on our manufactures and shipping, that he 
 prefers detailing them in a separate article/ ) 
 
 At the period my Lord, when I wrote the foregoing, 
 no ear in authority was open to hear arguments in 
 fevor o'f the free trade, now contended for, aware of 
 which, I did not plead for what I was sure at that 
 time would not be granted, and am happy, that not 
 only the m«rcaaitile interest, but others in the 
 Province, have become the advocates of the openings 
 of the navigation of the St. Lawrence, for with me 
 they are aware, that unless means are devised, hj 
 which the flour and products of the Province can be 
 exported on as favorable terms by the River, as sending^ 
 what is produced in the upper part of the Province* 
 hf New York, the trade must pass away, whereby 
 the expensive and important improvements of the 
 navigation to the ocean, will remain a reproach, as 
 well as a heavy loss to the Province. It is to be kept 
 in view, there are but two sources of inward freight 
 
 from Enivland, viz. : 
 
 emiixrantA'^ 
 
 and merchandize, 
 
 ♦- By a return from her Majesty's Chief Agent for Emigi-aftion at QUtbec,. 
 the average as to passengers for the years 1843, 1844 and 1845, the number of 
 vessels carrying over 3U, was 263, and with less than 30 passeagen 131', 
 while for the year 1845, 1 was favored by a return froui Messrs. MacDougall 
 and Glass, of Montreal, from which it appears the nunnfber fbr tiiat year ait 
 a.rrivals with passengers and cargoes was 635, and in ballast 1064.. 
 
 S 
 
19 
 
 jry to set 
 
 e vessels 
 oduce of 
 e is pre- 
 bhe mea- 
 respects 
 juntries, 
 r such a 
 , that he 
 
 •regoing, 
 
 ments in 
 
 aware of 
 
 ) at that 
 
 that not 
 
 in the 
 
 opening 
 
 with m& 
 
 rised, hy 
 
 3 can be 
 
 sending- 
 
 Province' 
 
 liie latter is chiefly confined to a few regular traders 
 while those conveying emigrants, with a few excep- 
 tions, are of the lowest description of vessels in the 
 merchants service, — in fact unfit for any other cargo 
 than timber. From the defective state of these vessels, 
 the better class of emigrants bound to Canada proceed 
 from Liverpool by way of New York, although paying 
 one-third to one-half more for their passage. Aware of 
 the loss sustained by the Province, arising from the 
 *' ill found** state of those vessels coming for timber, 
 in my official capacity I made representations to my 
 Government, and also to the shipping interest in 
 London, and forwarded for adoption regulations, as 
 to the qualification of masters of vessels, for which I 
 received the thanks of the merchants, but still the 
 vessels in the timber trade, with few exceptions are 
 
 yso defective in the nautical phrase *' well found,** that 
 insurance is difficult to be obtained on many of them, 
 and that valuable source of profit, arising from conveying 
 respectable emigrants is driven to New York, although 
 bound to this part of the Province, as also those bound 
 to the Western States, as the accomodation in pre- 
 paration, and even at present afibrded, renders the 
 St. Lawrence the most direct rout — thereby turning 
 away firom the facilities thus provided at the expense 
 of the Province, the vast advantages to be reaped 
 from the transit of emigration — this state of trade will 
 continue so long as the monopyly of the carrying 
 trade^ is necessarily confined to so many ill found 
 vessels, while the permitting vessels of other countries 
 under regulations, which I beg leave to submit herein, 
 the emigration driven to New York, would be drawn 
 
20 
 
 to Quebec, and ample accomodation for the transport 
 of the produce of the Province obtained on moderate 
 terms, as also thereby our river navigation and for- 
 warding interests benefited. 
 
 The mercantile interests of New York, regard 
 the freight from England their chief source of 
 profit, while the regular sailing packets cheer- 
 fully accept a moderate rate of freight, rather than 
 carry ballast, as they must sail on their appointed 
 day ; not so, the vessels to this Province, save a 
 few regular traders to Montreal, as the homeward 
 freight to England is their main profit, so that 
 unless imports are increased to Quebec, which can 
 only be done by a class of vessels better found than 
 those in the timber trade, so as to lead the passenger 
 trade by the St. Lawrence, the produce of the upper 
 part of the Province will be drawn by New York, 
 while from the inferior class of vessels in every respect 
 included under the term " ill found,'* as the timber 
 vessels generally are, trade cannot be retained by 
 Montreal, wherefore I know of no more effectual 
 method, but opening the navigation of the St, 
 Lawrence to the vessels of the United States, not only 
 to carry their own produce to markets, but also that 
 of the Province as hereinafter stated. I am fully 
 aware of the long and justly cherished feelings, as to 
 '* the wooden walls of Eingland,'* and no man is 
 worthy of the honor, and privileges of being a member 
 of the British Empire, who does not regard the 
 upholding that elevation of rank, which the Empire 
 sustains from its marine superiority, as a paramount 
 
 
 ! 
 
 Si 
 
T 
 
 1>1 
 
 duty, while I respectfully Hulmiit, tlio incasuro I 
 propose, would in souio degree meet the wants of the 
 Province, and if further cxtenrhxl in no material 
 extent, (if at all) defeat the great object of the 
 navigation laws. 
 
 It is to bo observed if my recollection is correct, 
 that under peculiar circumstances these laws have 
 been partially relaxed, and when I take into consi- 
 deration the great proportion of her Majesty's 
 subjects, who at present are employed in navigating 
 vessels in the mercantile, and naval service of the 
 United States ; the creation of seamen to man the 
 British Navy, would in no serious degree be affected 
 by the open navigation of the St. Lawrence.-' I there- 
 fore propose, that all vessels bringing their authorised 
 number of emigrants to Quebec or Montreal, should 
 be permitted to take in return, cargoes to British 
 possessions or elsewhere. 
 
 The peculiar circumstances arising from the altered 
 Btate of trade, and mode of conveyance of merchandize, 
 alone could justify any devoted servant of the Crown 
 in proposing any change in the navigation laws, 
 regarded as they have been, but from the change 
 referred to, by which the produce of the Province can 
 be forwarded to England, so much less from New 
 
 • My long residence at New York, in my consular office, enabled me to 
 form an estimate of the comparative number of British seamen, in the merchant 
 foreign service of the United States, excluding the vessels ia the whaling and 
 fishing trade, (the vessels in that line being manned exclusively by citizens, 
 who ship on shares and what is worthy of particular notice, not one glass of 
 spirituous liquor is allowed in that frigid and arduous service), fully half are 
 British subjects, and the same holds good as to the United States navy, while 
 many say, I would be nearer the truth to say two-thirds. 
 
\ 
 
 22 
 
 York than by Montreal and at all seasons/^ and also 
 viewing the contemplated railway route from Montreal 
 to Portland, what statesman would calculate on 
 upholding the British Navy, by destroying the carry- 
 ing trade in vessels to and from Montreal andQuebec, 
 while in the shipping navigating the St. Lawrence, 
 four-fifths would be subjects of her Majesty. 
 
 I earnestly submit to your Lordship's consideration, 
 that the natural advantages of the St. Lawrence, 
 and the privileges arising from the peculiar position 
 of that part of the Province, lying between Lakes 
 Erie, Huron, and Ontario, if called into action, with 
 the energy which characterises our enterprising 
 neighbours, an opening would be afforded, embracing 
 and controlling the intercourse with the Pacific 
 and the Atlantic at no distant day, and in a short 
 time, draw through that part of the province 
 the greater part, if not the entire travelling inter- 
 course between the Western States and the cities 
 ^1 of New York and Boston. Not only, my Lord, may 
 a portion of the vast products of the west be drawn 
 by Montreal, by a liberal policy ; but the vast number 
 of citizens passing from the states of Michigan, 
 Indiana, Illinois, the Wisconsin, Upper Mississippi, 
 Missouri and Oregon Territories, from the lines of 
 communication partly in operation and determined 
 
 * The following extract I take from the Canadian Economitt, of the 24th 
 <of the present month : — '*' We showed that the excess paid by the Canadian 
 producer on three articles alone exported, viz. : dour, wheat, and timber, in 
 the year 1644, 1845, and 1846, Amounted to £924,098 lOs. 6d., over what 
 the same article would have cost if shipped from New York, and this we set 
 up as a valid ground to claim relief from the restrictions of the navigation 
 laws." 
 
23 
 
 on. All, all may bo drawn to rerch tho Atlantic hy 
 the proposed Great Western railway of this provincen/"^ 
 in connection with tho proposed suspension bridge 
 near the Niagara Falls, tor which tho provincial 
 legislature passed a law at tho last session ; while the 
 legislature of New York, in furtherance of the great 
 object, have also passed a law for the same purpose, 
 connecting the line with the great Buffalo and Boston 
 railway, as also with the Erie railway to New York ; 
 while at present there is a railway in operation, from 
 the site of the contemplated bridge to Buffalo, also 
 to Lewiston and Lockport. ^^ 
 
 When it is considered that the number of passen- 
 gers who at present pass from the Western States 
 from Detroit to Buffalo, during the lake navigation 
 (not six months), exceed one hundred thousand per- r,^ 
 sons, and the time required by their splendid steam 
 vessels is from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, subject 
 also to violent gales and fogs on the lake ; and that 
 by the proposed Great Western railway and bridge,, 
 when complete, this vast multitude could be con- 
 veyed in to from ten to twelve hour«, if not in 
 six hours; while, from the peculiar, nature of the U 
 country to the south of Lake Erie, no line of road 
 can be constructed to interfere with the Ireat 
 Western. May I not with confidence state, the pro- 
 posed route should be regarded, as embracing advan- 
 tages equal, if not superior, to any line in existence 
 or contemplated, as to its importance. Yet, my- 
 Lord Oathcart was pleased to reserve the bill for ih& 
 completion of said route and bridge for the approv«l 
 
24 
 
 of her Majesty, a measure so extraordinary, so highly 
 prejudicial, to the trade and prosperity of the province, 
 and which has done incalculable injury, by suspending 
 preparations for proocoding with the enterprise. 
 While there is no doubt, but upon an open examina- 
 tion, so that no private or sectional interests may be 
 allowed to operate, your Lordship will without delay 
 not only sanction this great improvement, but all 
 others which will call forth the full and free energies 
 of the province, and remove the just reproach, by 
 contrast, which passing the river from the state of 
 New York at all points exhibit, as to living under 
 royal and democratic rule . Your Lordship will p' jase 
 observe, that without the sanction of the Crown to 
 the railway and bridge, the vast amount of travel 
 referred co will not come near the province ; while it 
 is further to be kept in mind, that when the line of 
 roads mentioned is completed, which may be eflfected 
 within three years, the conveyance of merchandise 
 and passengers will not be confined, as at present, to 
 the period of the open navigation of the lake, but 
 
 /continue all the year ; and as the population of the 
 vast territories referred to double every ten years, 
 who can calculate the advantages which await the 
 province. 
 
 My Lord, at my years, enthusiasm generally sub- 
 sides; yet I fear not to leave on record, that the 
 proposed Western railway and Chain bridge will 
 prove the great leading line of communication fi'om 
 England, by the Atlantic and Pacific, to China ; as 
 the proposed line by Mr. Whitney, which has met 
 
25 
 
 the favourable reception of Congress, and which is'to 
 extend from Michigan, by tho valley of the Columbia 
 river, has no other so well circumstanced route. On 
 looking at the map, there is no other favourable line 
 for passing the river by a bridge, but near the Falls 
 ofj^iagara, end there alone can this continuous and 
 straight line from the Atlantic to the Pacific bo 
 carried into effect. This is indeed a proud feature 
 in this valuable portion 4" her Majesty's dominions, 
 and I hesitate not to say it will prove, when carried 
 into effect, one of the most important lines of com- 
 mmiication on the globe. .,.'-—' 
 
 Before I close this er ratic letter, I once more refer 
 to the agricultural interests. In my pamphlet of 
 1828, I adverted to the culture of flax seed. I wish 
 hemp to be kept in view; hops grow remarkably 
 ^ell in this quarter. While it is to be hoped the.- 
 Provincial Agricultural Association recently set on 
 foot, in which every man who deserves to be regarded 
 a friend to the best interests of the province will 
 take an active part, as alone from such institutions 
 may we look for the advance in importance and value 
 of a country, unequalled in all the blessed and natu- 
 TCil advantages as respects health, soil and climate. 
 I conclude this letter, by adding the advice, I have 
 for many years given to the numerous emigrants, 
 who called at my office in New York, on their 
 way to Canada, to whom I uniformly stated, there 
 were three things which it was in their own power y^ 
 to avoid, namely: " Spirititous Liquor, Tobacco and^^'^^ 
 Politics/' which, if they observed, independence 
 
26 
 
 was sure to await all who had a disposition to work, 
 
 -1 although taey arrived there without a dollar. While 
 
 to my countrymen, who were Orangemen, I earnestly 
 urged (as I had been one myself during the rebellion 
 in Ireland, in 1798) that they should abandon all 
 connection with any association which engendered 
 bad feeling, and was sure to mar that peace and good 
 vl neighbourhood essential to happiness and prosperity. 
 The evil consequences of universal suffrage and 
 extension of the democratic principle, the evils of 
 which my long residence in the states (with no unkind 
 feeling) enabled me to estimate, has long convinced 
 me that the three stimulants above nameu are the 
 greatest enemies to the domestic happiness and 
 4 advancement to independence to which the country 
 is subject. In conclusion, my Lord, I shall feel 
 honoured and happy to afford explanation, as I feel 
 my deficiency in setting forth the important matters 
 herein as clearly as I should wish, deeply sensible, 
 without any affected humility, of my deficiencies. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 I pray your Lordship to pardon my adding the 
 following observations to the foregoing letter ; but as 
 I consider the principle I contend for herein, would, 
 so far as acted on, conduce to the prosperity of the 
 Province, as well as the happiness of the people, -4 
 I should be doing injustice to your Lordship's 
 reputation (as it has reached us), if I deemed any 
 object having such a tendency, would prove dis- 
 pleasing. But I have a further reason. I wish 
 to bring the subject before the Legislature and 
 Magistracy of the province, while in a separate arti- 
 cle it would not claim their attention in the same 
 degree, if at all considered. Moreover, I shall leave 
 on record my sentiments in favour of a measure for 
 which I contend, on grounds I have not yet seen held 
 forth, by any of the numerous advocates of the cause, 
 either in the United Kingdom, th^ TJnited States, or . 
 these Provinces. My object, my Lord, accords with 
 those who deem it the duty of all legislators, and 
 
 those in authority, to repress crime, or whatever calls 
 
 it forth. And the avowed sentiment of all members 
 of the legislature on the hustings is, that they will 
 support every measure, that will promote the pros- 
 perity of all their fellow subjects ; and they avow as 
 a means, the education of the rising generation, and 
 enforcing obedience to the law ; while the magis- 
 trates, on assuming office, undertake to repress crim6. 
 
28 
 
 and protect all classes from suffering by it. The 
 question, my Lord, is, how do such professions of the 
 magistracy accord with the disgi'aceful riots and 
 crimes which latterly so shamefully prevail in many 
 parts of the province, and more reproachfully at 
 Montreal., where force abounds to repress all violation 
 of the law. I am, therefore, my Lord, solicitous to 
 awaken attention to the .' ubject, so that a remedy 
 may be set in motion, bearing on all parts of the 
 province, with a determination that all shall be obe- 
 dient to law. 
 
 When we reflect on the murders, crime, misery and 
 want, which may be traced to the use of spirituous 
 liquors, does it not become the duty of all legislators, 
 and conservators of the perace, to take measures to 
 remove the incentive or cause of such evils. " The 
 restraining of crime is an acknowledged principle of 
 English law;" and it has always been esteemed 
 praise-worthy, as well as a duty, in all those authorised 
 and appointed to uphold it. But is this the case in 
 this province ? On the contrary, does not the legis- 
 lature authorise the raising of revenue from permis- 
 sion to dispense the cause of crime and misery among 
 their fellow-subjects, whom they are bound to cherish 
 and protect ? It appears the revenue in the United 
 Kingdom, for the year 1845, arising from spirituous 
 liquors, was five millions sterling ; but no reference 
 appears to be made to the other side of ohe account^ 
 as to deducting the expense of collecting, preventing 
 smuggling, and the great increase of expense of pau- 
 perism, and expense attendant on crime, all arising 
 
29 
 
 from what produces the five millions sterling. I 
 regret I have not before me the result as to certain 
 returns, moved for during the last session, by that 
 persevering and highly talented member of the Impe- 
 rial Parliament, Joseph Hume, bearing on this sub- 
 ject. But whatever that gentleman undertakes, he 
 will follow up ; and I have no doubt he will shew, 
 that instead of the state deril'ing five aillions ster- 
 ling, — the actual loss, independent of crime and 
 misery produced, will far exceed the limits I am 
 enabled to set forth, judging by the effects produced 
 in those districts in the New England States, where 
 the sale of spiritous liquors has been prohibited. 
 
 My Lord, pardon my stating my conviction, that 
 should the raising of a revenue from the cause of so 
 much crime and misery, come before our gracious 
 Queen, as not only the guardian of all her people, 
 but also as head of the church, (who lives in the 
 hearts of her subjects with more ardent loyalty and 
 affection, than ever was the lot of any former Sove- 
 reign on the British, or any other throne), as also the 
 Lords spiritual, as well as the clergy of all denomi- 
 nations professing the religion of the Blessed Lord 
 and Saviour, Her Majesty would never sanction any 
 measure productive of so much evil as that referred 
 to. I recollect, my Lord, during the short peace of 
 Amiens, in 1802, being in Paris, the licensing of 
 gambling saloons, (called " hells,' ' m that city,) was, 
 by my fellow-subjects denounced as iniquitous, draw- 
 ing revenue firom such a source of profligacy and 
 crime, and proving the absence of all moral principle. 
 
30 
 
 'I 
 
 4 
 
 But I ask, does not the same measure of condemna- 
 tion justly apply to all the authorities in the United 
 Kingdom and this Province, as well as all others, 
 for not only authorising the manufacture, hut raising 
 a revenue from the dispensing spiritous liquors ? 
 
 I am aware my ^ord, that much intemperance and 
 ill judged zeal, has ajsen among those engaged in 
 the promotion of that most praise-T.orthy measure, 
 " temperance/* which has called forth much oppo- 
 sition, but if a view is taken of all those in opposition 
 to slavery, the use of spiritous liquors, gambling and 
 other sources of crime, I regret that not only 
 
 /' influential, but talented men, will be found in con- 
 demning and ridiculing the efforts of those taking a 
 lead, in this great reformation, which is one of the 
 marks of the present, being the most extraordinary 
 period that has yet appeared for raising the human 
 character, from ignorance, vice, degradation and 
 . error, the evils referred to, if not at once removed, 
 / would be gradually deminished, by fostering and 
 regulating the popular feeling, which is rapidly gain- 
 ing ground, and in a praise worthy manner, among 
 some of the clergy : were it not for laws to sustain 
 the evils enacted for the sake of revenue. I repeat the 
 question, upon what ground can those professing 
 Christianity, and avow it their duty to repress crime, 
 yet, sanction and take part in making laws, licensing 
 their fellow- subjects to make a gain of dispensing 
 
 / 
 
 ^^ spiritous liquors, which they admit to be the great 
 cause of crime and misery. Much discretion I am 
 aware my Lord, is essential, not only in bringing 
 

 31 
 
 forward, but in carrying out the measure by prepa- 
 ratory steps, so as that the community at large, may ^^ 
 he led, not driven to take part in the blessed and j/ 
 glorious work. I therefore venture to add, after much 
 reflection, the first step should be to take up the 
 important measure, to repress the manufacture and 
 sale of spiritous liquors, or if Miy imported except for 
 Medical or Chemical purpoBs; the prohibition of 
 distillation, is not a novelty, %s I recollect the Irish 
 Parliament in times of apprehended scarcity, pre- 
 vented distillation from grain for ihe public good, and 
 such is the ground I hold forth for the prevention of 
 the manufacture or sale of alcohol namely, the public 
 
 r 
 
 GOOD. 
 
 / 
 
 I 
 
 ,'3- -5