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This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmi au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X , The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Library of the Public Archives of Canada L'exemplaire filmA fut reproduit grAce A la gAn^rosM de: La bibliothdque des Archives publiques du Canada Tii Kingston, September 21, 1841. ^ The following official communication addressed to His Worship the Mayor, was laid before the Council : Government House, > Kingston, 20ih Sept. 1841. ^ Sir : — I have the honour to inform you that it is intended that the Funeral of His Excellency the Governor General should take place on Friday next. The procession will leave Government House at 11 o'clock, a. m., precisely. I have the honojr to be. Sir, Your most obedient servant, T. W. C. MURDOCH. His Worship the Mayor. Whereupon the Common Council passed the following resolution : <« That Friday next, the 24th instant, being the day appointed for the Funeral of His Excellency the Governor General^ the Common Council do recommend to all the Inhabitants of the Town, to observe that day as a "DAY OF MOURNING, wi'ih every suitable solemnity, and that all shops and places of business be closed, and all trading and mechanical operations cease during the day. ^ "J. COUNTER, Mayor." It was on Friday night that His Excellency asked one of his friends whether there was any hope of his ultimate recovery, when the gentleman to whom the question was put burst into tears, the meaning of which His Excellency immediately understood. From > LORD Sydenham's death. 7 that time he turned his attention to a future world— but still omitted no part of his duty to the affairs of this. When he had partaken of the Sacrament, which he did in company with every member of his family, he took an affectionate leave of each of them individually. He was in great pain all night, but in full possession of his faculties. During the intervals of the spasmodic attacks he engaged fervently in prayer, and one of the medical attendants says he never saw so much collectedness of mind accompanied by such agony of body. He expres&ed a wish to be buried in Kingston only a short time be- fore he died. He executed his Will on Saturday morning, and made presents of a variety of little things to his confidential friends. On Saturday evening he asked a gentleman in attendance if Parliament was prorogued, and on being answered in the affirma- tive, replied — then all is right. The speech which had been dic- tated by the late Governor General, and which he intended to have delivered himself, has been shewn to several of his confidential friends. The last paragraph— and it is the last he ever dictated — breathes a prayer for the prosperity of Canada. (From the Kingston British Whig.) It is our melancholy duty to announce the Death of the excel- lent and much respected Governor General of Canada, His Excel- lency Baron Sydenham, who departed this life at the Government House of Kingston, on Sunday morning last, at a few minutes past seven o'clock. This sorrowful event was announced to the public by a letter to the Worshipful the Mayor, from the Chief Secretary, Mr Murdoch, a short time after the decease. The news although expected for several days previous, has filled all hearts with consternation ; for whatever had been the difference of opini- on betvjreen his Excellency and the people he governed, as to the local politics of the country, his amiable life, extreine affability, readiness of access, and other excellencies in a g6od and great man, had gained him the love of all. Kingston has received a blow by this death from which she may never recover ; and inde- pendent of kinder feelings, her inhabitants are overwhelmed with sorrow and mortification. NOTICES or From the Kingston Chronicle. FUNERAL OF LORD SYDENHAM. The rites of sepulture were yesterday performed over the re- mains of the late Governor General. Upon this melancholy occa- sion crowds of persons flocked into Kingston from the neighbour- ing country, and with the town population lined the road in dense masses from Alwington House to St. George's Church, the num- bers collected amounting at n low calculation to between six pnd seven thousand. At eleven o'clock the procession left Alwington House in the following order. THE CHIEF JUSTICE. THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PALL BEARERS. THE BODY. upon a frame erected on a Gun Carriage, drawn by six horEes, >vith Artillery Drivers. THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GOVrRNMENT AND MR. BARING. THE STAFF OF THE LATE GOVERNOR GENERAL. THE STAFF OF TKE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GOVERNMENT. Tvr MEDICAL GENTLEMEN WHO ATTENDED THE LATE GOVERNOR GENERAL. MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE JUDGES — PYKE, HAOERMAN, AND MACLEAN. MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. Messrs. Robertson, Messrs. Roblin, '* Simpson, (( Gilchrist, *' Derbishire, had lived just long enough to develope his great powers, while there seemed, according to all human calculations, enough of life remaining to afiTord ample space for their matured exercise. " The tree was old enough to enable us to ascertain the quality of the fruit which it would bear, and, at the same time, young enough to promise many years of produce." But the pecu- liar circumstances under which we have lost him, — at such a time, so unexpectedly, when so much was still expected from his future efforts, and so much gratitude felt for his past efforts — add to everv feeling of regret, and make the disappointment more severe and poignant to all thinking minds. But " the Judge of the earth will do right," although ♦* His ways are in the great deep, and his paths past finding out." To genius Lord Sydenham possessed no pretensions ; but what has been said of Charlemagne was true of his Lordship. He pos- sessed " a great understa'^ding, a great heart, and a great soul." — His mind was eminently practical, and habitually active ; he was a shrewd observer of men and things ; his knowledge was various and extensive, and always ready for practical application, and he descended to the minutest details of public business with astonishing quickness and accuracy. The interests of the country which he governed engrossed all his care, and seemed to form the element of his daily being. His plans were bold, comprehensive, and energe- LORD Sydenham's death. 27 tic; and, having been deliberately adopted, he would not suffer pre- judice or clamour to turn him aside from the pursuit of them. He valued prerogative only as the means of protecting and promoting public liberty and happiness. His despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonics explaining the principles and objects of his measures breathe the most ardent and generous feeling in behalf of the civil and religious freedom and growing happiness and prospe- rity of the people of Canada. The publication of them will fur' nish the best eulogium upon his motives and character, while the operation of his magnificent plans will form a lasting monument of his wisdom and patriotism. What Mr. Fox remarked of his friend the Duke of Bedford, may be said of Lord Sydenham — *' He died, it is true, in a state of ce- libacy; but if they may be called a man's children whose concerns are dear to him as his own — to protect whom from evil is the daily object of his care, to promote whose welfare he exerts every facul- ty of which he is possessed ; if such are to be esteemed our chil- dren, no man had ever a more numerous family." I have time to add no more ; nor to correct what I have written. When I commenced this unpremeditated and hasty sketch, I in- tended nothing more than to give vent to the feelings of my heart in a couple of paragraphs. But the subject has grown upon me — rather has overwhelmed me; and what I have said seems but a pas- sage where there might be a volume — but a sickly ray, when there ought to be meridian splendour. Lord Sydenham's political con- duct belongs to history ; and I rejoice to learn that a most suitable and able historian has been selected by His Lordsm^ himself in the person of his Chief Secretary. At the commencement of His Lordship's Mission in Upper Can- ada, when his plans were liltle known, his difHculties formidable, and his Government weak, I had the pleasing satisfaction of giving him my humble and dutiful support in the promotion of his non- party and provincial objects ; and now that he is beyond the reach of human praise or censure — where all earthly ranks and distinc- tions are lost in the sublimities of eternity — I have the melancholy satisfaction of bearing my humble testimony to his candour, since- rity, faithfulness, kindness, and liberality. A few days before the 28 NOTICES OF occurrence of the accident which terminated his life, I had the ho- nour of spending an evening and part of a day in free conversation with His liOrdship ; and on that, as well as on former similar oc- casions, he observed the most marked reverence for the Truths of Christianity — a most earnest desire to base the civil institutions of the country upon Christian principles, with a scrupulous regard to the rights of conscience — a total absence of all animosity against any persons or parties who had opposed him — and an intense anx- iety to silence dissensions and discord, and render Canada content- ed, happy, and prosperous. I am told that, the day before his la- mented death, he expressed his regret that he had not given more of his time to religion. His mind was perfectly composed; he was in the full possession of his rational powers until he *' ceased at once to work and live." He transacted official business in the acutest agonies of suffering, even ** when the hand of death was upon him ;" the last hours of his life were spent in earnest suppli- cation to that Redeemer in humble reliance upon whose atonement he yielded up the Ghost. Thosa who were most intimately acquaint- ed and connected with Lord Sydenham are most warmly attached to him and most deeply deplore their loss ; and few in Canada will not say, in the death of this lamented Nobleman and distinguished Governor — I have lost a Friend. Yours very truly, ^. Ryerson, (From the Christian Guardian,) LORD Sydenham's dying prayer for canada. '♦May Almighty God prosper your labours, and pour down upon this PrG\rince all those blessings which in my heart 1 am desirous that it should enjoy." — The conclusion of the late Governor Gen- eraVs la^'t public document. In another column will be found a letter from T. W. C. Murdoch, Esq., Chief Secretary, to the Speaker of the Legislative Council, with a most interesting document accompanying it ; — •* the Spe~nh which had been prepared by the late Governor General, to be deli- vered on the prorogation of the Legislature; but which his lament- ed illness prevented." The Secretary's letter is beautifully simple jind touching : the Speech prodiices a powerful eniotion : and the LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH. 29 conclusion of it is perfectly irresistible, dedicated as it was ♦♦ at a time when the hand of death was upon" the noble writer. If it be true, that the ruling passion is strong in death, our distinguished, but departed^ Governor General loved Canada ; and this Speech, which he dictated but did not — could not deliver, is remi.rkably con- firmatory of the opinion we expressed last week :— •* Lord Syden- ham died as he lived, the Friend of Canada." Canada was on his Lordship's heart. Two years ago he left his native land, at the command of our beloved Sovereign, and arrived in the Colony at a t«mo when the affairs were repulsive rather than attractive; and we believe it is beyond the power of any person to allege, that he did not live resolved to please his Sovereign and benefit ' er Canadian subjects. A difference of opinion has been expressed on some of His Excellency's measures, of the merits of which it is not our province to speak ; but only one sentiment can be uttered respect, ing His Excellency's unreserved devotedness to our interests ; a devotedncss which no obstacles could dishearten, no bodily afflicti- ons limit, and which death only could terminate. And when this was inevitable, his request was, that he might be buried in Canada; — the land of his attachment, the land of his undying solicitude, the land of his glorious deeds. He died blessing Canada. Undis- turbed be his ashes till the morning of the resurrection ! — Canada was in his Lordship's flans. It is even a hackneyed saying, **The Governor General attempts much for the country." The truth is* he thought much, and was ever occupied with projects intended for our good. A catalogue of the Bills which have been passed in East- ern and Western Canada under his administration, with the reasons which led to their adoption, and the results which have followed, or a re likely to follow their adoption, would say much in favour of the greatness, originality, and wisdom of his mind ; and all he did, he did for our country. — Canada was in his 'prayers. "iVfay Almighty God .... pour down upon this Province all those blessings which in my heart I am desirous that it should enjoy !" What **all those blessings" were we may without mistake suppose f om his lofty and liberal official course; — blessings civil, commercial, bd'jcational, and religious, for the old and the young, the poor anu the rich, the un" taught and the accomplished, the pious and the profane, to latest generations ; — blessings which we believe it was the desire of his heart should be universally diffused. This then was our dying if 30 NOTICES OF Chief Ruler's prayer, when the heart was ceasing to beat — when the hand had nearly forgotten its cunning — when earth was reced- iog — when the veil of eternity was being drawn; in that dread mo" inent he rcmembered—CANADA. Never did patriotism utter Ian' guage invested with a deeper pathos, or breathe a spirit more befit- ting the bed of death: and of the regretted intercessor, and all like him whose stupendous public acts are their triumph and their praise, we affirni, " They never fail who die \ In a great cause." To his Lordship's last prayer we say, Amen : and from the Atlan- tic to the Eluron, in every human dwelling, and deep in every Bri- tish heart, and loud on every fervent tongue, will be heard the so- lemn response. (From the British Colonist.) It becomes our painful duty to convey to our readers the melan- choly intelligence of the lamented death of His Excellency, the Right Honorable Lord Sydenham, Governor General of British North America, who departed this life at Alwington House near Kingston, on Sunday morning last. The memory of Lord Sydenham will always be revered by the people of Canada, and no tribute of respect which they can shew to his departed worth, can express the debt of gratitude which the country owes His Lordship. From the period of the first arrival of the late Governor General, (then the Right Honorable Charles Poulett Thomson) at Quebec, in October 1839, to the day of his death, he not only evinced the greptest anxiety for ^he welfare of the country, the government of which he had been charged with by his Sovereign, but even when labouring under severe bodily afilioti- on, his government was distinguished by a degree of vigor and ener- gy, unusual under former administrations, and which did not fail to unite the great body of the people in his support, and to call forth the marked approval of his Sovereign. Looking back to the first pro- clamation issued by the late Governor General, on his asssuming he government at Quebec, on the 19th October, 1839, we find that his most anxious wish was declared to be to promote to the utmost of his power the welfare of all classes ol Her Majesty's subjects, — LORD Sydenham's death. 31 to reconcile existing differences, — to apply a remedy to proved grie- vances, — to extend and protect the trade, and enlarge the resourcea of the Colonies entrusted to his charge — and above all, to promote whatever may bind them to their mother country, by increased ties of interest and affection. The progress of his government from ^hat period, to the close of the first Parliament of the Province at Kingston, is the best evidence that can be pointed to, to shew the faithfulness of his adherence to his first announcement, — and that too amidst difficulties and obstacles which few could have summoned the courage to contend against, far less the ability to overcome. The tranquility and contentment which now prevail throughout the country, are in striking contrast with the unsettled state of the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, when the late Governor Ge- neral first assumed the Government ; and were there nothing fur- ther to be grateful for, than the progress that has been made in re- concling differences, that is of itself sufficient to endear to the Ca- nadian people, the memory of thc^r departed Ruler. On the first arrival at Toronto of the late Governor General, ad- dresses of congratulation were poured in from all parts of the Pro- vince, and these were conveyed and presented by deputations from the various districts. The last session of the U. C. Parliament fol- lowed, at which that great and important measure, the Union of the Provinces was agreed to ; and afterwards His Excellency having visited all parts of the country, the addresses that were presented to him by the people, confirmed their former declarations of confidence in his government, and conveyed their perfect acquiescence in the measure for a union that had been adopted. — The best proof of the success, and of the beneficial effects to the country of that change, is to be found in the many valuable measures that have been pass- ed by the Parliament just prorogued, and the great good which, by proper management and care on the part of the people themselves, must inevitably result, from them. To Lord Sydenham, the people of Canada are greatly indebted, for the establishment of those local municipal councils, which place the management and control of their affairs in their own hands. — This, under proper directions, and by the exercise of a prudent judgment, on the part of the people, is the greatest boon that has ever been conferred on them. Fits Lordship drew a broad distinc- ^. 32 KOTiccs or tion between tlio works thai ought to be undertaken by the Province and those which ought to be performed by districts, — for which lat- ter purpose these Councils have been established. This he thus explained, — *» I am of opinion that works of general utility should be undertaken by the Province, and are subjects for deliberation by the Executive and the Legislature, — but it is no less necessary that upon all the lesser matters aflTecting their interest, the people should acquire habits of self-dependence, and that means should bd af- forded them in each separate district, of effecting themselves that which they consider for their own interest.'' The District Council Act may be regarded as a legacy from a great Ruler to a grateful people I But in these cursory remarks, it is not our purpose to review the government of Lord Sydenham, — nor even to allude to the great leading measures of his administration, — but we have been led im- perceptibly into the foregoing statements, which we trust may not be considered inappropriate. Lord Sydenham, like all mankind, had his enemies as well as his friends, — but in this Province, the former were kw in compari- son to the latter. His great care has been to advance the public welfare, and that he should have had to encounter in the perform- ance of so arduous a task, personal, or even the most bitter sectio- nal opposition, 'm only what might have been expected. Under hia Lordship's auspices the government of the country has been placed upon such a basis, as that, hereafter, to be successfully carried on, it must be cherished and supported by the people, — it must find a place in their affections. Befora his decease we understand that, Lord Sydenham sufTered much bodily pain, — but he retained his faculties to the last. On Friday evening, in ; resence of the whole household, he partook of the Saciamentof the Lords' Supper, — he died on the Sunday fol- lowing, and in him Canada has indeed lost a friend and benefactor. Besides His Lordships' other medical attendants. Dr. Widmer, of Toronto, was sent for, and proceeded on Friday to Kingston, whence he returned on Sunday evening. His Excellency having expressed a wish to be buried in Canada, we have been informed that the Funeral will take place on Friday next, and that his remains will be deposited within the Episcopal Church at Kingston. Lord Sydenham is dead ! In peace rest his LORD Sydenham's death. 33 1^ ashes I He has been a benefactor to Canada, — and no true patriot ca.i deny the fact !— But, we are a most ungrateful set in this coun. try. Let every man who reads this, before he kicks up his heels, put the question to himself, and ask, whether we have not spoken the truth ? The administration of the government devolves upon Lieutenant General Sir Richard Jackson, Commanding the Forces in Canada. Mayor's Office, Monday Evening, Sept. 20, 1841. To the City of Toronto : — It is with feelings of deep sorrow I have to announce to you the following Dispatch, this evening re- ceived from the Government House, Kingston. GEORGE MONRO, Mayor. Government House, Kingston, 19lh Sept. 1841. Sir : — It is my painful duty to communicate to you the melan- choly intelligence of the decease of His Excellency the Governor General. Flis Excellency breathed his last at five minutes after seven o'clock this morning. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, T. W. C. Murdoch. His Honour the Mayor of Toronto. (From the Examiner.) It is with feelings of the deepest regret that we give publicity to the foregoing announcement of the demise of the Governor Gener- al of British America. The sufferings endured by His Excellency since the occurrence of the late unfortunate accident have been in- tense, and were borne with the greatest fortitude. We understand that he was in the full possession of his faculties to the very last. On the morning of his death he took an affectionate leave of all his friends, who were most sincerely and devotedly attached to him. Whatever differences of opinion may have existed on particular measures of Lord Sydenham's administration, we feel assured that His Lordship's name will long be held in grateful recollection by the people of United Canada. His Lordship assumed the Govern- ment of these Provinces at a period of the greatest difficulty, and when we compare the present state of public feeling with that which then existed, we are bound to admit that his administration has on the whole been an eminently successful one. The result of the E 34 NOTICES OF I first Session of the UDited Legislature, which we have elsewhere referred to, must have been in the highest degree satisfactory to His Lordship, confirming, as it has done, the hopes of some and dis- pelling the fears of others, as to the working of that Union which it was the especial object of his mission to carry into efTectr His Lordship was on the eve of his departure for England, where he would doubtless have been rewarded with fresh marks of the favour of His Sovereign, when the accident occurred by which he has been cut offin the prime of life and in the full vigour of hi3 intellect. — Well may we join in the common exclamation — ** Sic transit gloria mundi." We feel but little inclination at present, either to review the general policy of the distinguished nobleman whose loss we have now to deplore, or to speculate on the disasters which may be- fal this country in consequence of his death. We shall defer these topics till a more fitting opportunity offers. At present we shall content ourselves with joining our cotemporaries, and the public at large, in expressing those feelings of sincere sorrow, which, we are well assured, pervade all classes of society. In this City, most of the principal Merchants shew their feelings by partly closing their windows. We presume that there will be due regard paid to the event in all our Churches next Sunday ; and are pleased to hear of one Clergyman who intends to deliver a discourse upon the subject on the evening of that day. (From the Examiner.) We have copied elsewhere, from the Kingston Chronicle^ an ac- count of the Funeral of the late lamented Governor General, and we have also transferred to our columns some of the notices of his Lordship's death by the cotemporary press. In this section of the Province political hostility seems to have been entirely forgotten, and there is one general acknowledgment from all quarters not only of the great talents of the deceased nobleman but of his unwearied exertions for the interests of Canada. It was our misfortune very frequently to be compelled to dissent from the line of policy adopt- ed by Lord Sydenham, more especially from that followed in the Eastern section of the Province ; but we have been ever ready to make allowances for the difficulties with which he was encompass- ed, and we should be ungrateful indeed were we to withhold our LORD Sydenham's death. 35 humble acknowledgments for ihe many essential services which he has rendered to our adopted country. During his Lordship's brief administration the'Union of the Canadas was matured and carried into full operation. True, the Union Bill is far from perfect in its de- tails,but we are justified in asserting that public opinion has quite suf- cient influence in the House of Assembly to ensure the amendment of all objectionable provisions, and that too at no very remote peri- od. The principle of Responsible Government has been fully recog- nized. The members of the administration, all of whom were Heads of Departments, distinctly avowed on the floor of the House, their responsibility to Parliament for themeasures of Government. They acted together in perfect harmony and concert with regard to those measures,and although there were occasional deviations from British practice, yet that practice was always acknowledged as their rule, and a more strict adherence to it in future may be anticipated. — Whatever political^differences there may have been in the House it was felt by every one that there was an administration, and that its existence depended on the support of a Parliamentary majority. Were we to pause here we feel that we should have said enough to prove that the name of Lord Sydenham should ever be held in grateful^remembrance by the people of Canada. But we are bound further to acknowledge, that we are indebted to the energy and practical talents of his Lordship for the most important measures of last session, more particularly for the magnificent scheme of public improvements, and the favourable arrangements relative to our debt. It is not, in all probability, at the present moment that full justice will be done to the administration of Lord Sydenham, although, as far as the press is an indication of public opinion,ther6 has never, we believe, been a more general expression of regret for the loss of a public man. Widely extended, however, as i": that feeling, it will, we are assured, be much more so after the lapse of a few years. The existing political asperities will then have entire- ly subsided, and Lord Sydenham will only be remembered as the founder of our constitution, and as the individual who brought into practical operation that sound British principle of Responsible Go- vernment by means of which alone the connection between tha Colony and the Parent State can be preserved. t; 36 NOTICES or \ (From the Toronto Patriot.) It is with feelings of no ordinary regret and solemnity that we have to announce the untimely death of the Repre&entative of our Sovereign, the Uovejinor General of British North America. — This melancholy event tooic place on Sunday morning after seven A.M. His Excellency's health, which had never been strong, was ra- pidly improving up to the happening of the accident by which his leg was lately fractured. The effect produced thereby on his weak constitution was fatal. Two or three days since the spasms of his old disease again attacked him, but until Friday no positive alarm for his life was felt — all that night his strength rapidly failed and on Saturday his death was hourly looked lor. His own physician, Dr. Farncombe, Dr. Samson and Dr. Widmer were in constant at- tendance. Towards noon, the hour fixed for the Prorogation of Parliament, he continued to sink with fatal swiftness. The Rev. Mr. Adamson, Chaplain to the Legislative Council attended him almost without intermission and administered to him those last con- solations of our Holy Religion which wo are assured by a constant eye-witness of the melancholy scene were deeply and sincerely ap- preciated by the dying sufferer. On Saturday evening he received the Sacrament in company with most of his house- hold, and appear- ed calmer and better after that holy rite. During the night his suf- ferings are described to have been of the most agonizing and trying description,and his fortitude under their cruel pressure remarkable & determined. A few minutes before 7 on Sunday morning he was released by death from his agonies. He was perfectly sensible and collected to the very last moment. The Rev. Mr. Adamson, by his especial desire, never quitted him to the last. Thus died in the prime of life and the l^uil vigor of an active mind and strong intellect the Governor Geineral of British North America. Throughout the vast dominions that he Governed the occurrence of such an event cannot fail to give rise to feelings of no ordinary nature. His sojourn amongst us has been marked by unprecedented and marvellous changes. His name has little pros- pect of being forgotten, and to another period, and perhaps another generation, may be devolved the task of writing the epitaph o( the departed Representative of Royalty. We believe His Excellency expressed a desire to be buried in Canada. LORD 8YD£XHAxM*S DEATH. 37 [From the Patriot.] We perceive by the official notice in the Kingston Chronicle ihvii the Funeral of the late Lord Sydenham lakes place this day, Fri- day, at 11 A. M. The Mayor of Toronto on receipt of the melancholy tidings of his Excellency's death issued an oflicial notification thereof to the citizens couched in terms suitable to the occasion. The inhabitants almost universally testified their sense of the unhappy event by half closing their shops and have continued so to do till the present day. His Lordship is to be buried in the Episcopal Church, Kingston. His Worship the Mayor of Toronto has just issued a proclama- tion well befitting the solemnity of the occasion, which we have no doubt will be universally obeyed. We believe that had the funeral taken place on Saturday as had been first mentioned, the Corpora- tion of Toronto would have gone down to attend the melancholy ceremonial and oflJered that last tribute of respect to the departed Representative of Royalty. (From the Church.) Lord Sydenham breathed his last at Alwington House, near Kmgston, on the morning of Sunday last, the 19th September, at five minutes past seven o'clock. His Lordship came to this country with a shattered constitution, and even had not the accession of Sir Robert Peel to power entailed upon him the necessity of returning to England, the severity of the climate would not have permitted him to remain. Accordingly he had prepared for his departure on the close of the Session, and had even heard of the arrival of the frigate at Halifax which was to convey him home. His health, which not long before had suffered a severe shock, was gradually improving, when the fatal accident occurred, which, from the first, gave rise to uneasy apprehensions, and ultimately terminated his existence. It happened, we believe, in the following manner : — His Lordship, on the 4th September, was riding a spirited horse near the Parliament House, but could not, for a long time, get the animal to pass that building. After a severe application of spur and whip, however, the horse proceeded? but immediately after put his foot upon a large loose stone lying in i f.! -I 38 NOTICES Off the road, and not being able to recover himself, fell and dragged his rider with him, fracturing the leg. and lacerating it above the knee. Assistance was immediately procured, and Lord Sydenham was placed in a cart that happened to be near, and taken home. — All that medical skill could do, of course, wa'- done ; hid own phy- sician, Dr Farndon, and Dr Sampson were in constant attendance ; and It was generally supposed that the patient wao slowly recover- ing. The symptoms, however, in time became alarming, and Dr Widmer, who had been sent for. arrived on Friday, the 17th, from Toronto. But all hunian aid proved unavailing. His Lordship felt conscious of the approach of death, and prepared himself to meet it with a calmness and fortitude whif^» have deservedly com- manded universal adiniration and respect. Though racked with pain, he continued to devote the energies of his active inind to the public business. He arranged all his worldly afiairs, and, with a minute thoughtfulness. which every kind-hearted man and every lo-. ver of animals will appreciate, made a present of his dogs to Mr. Baring, his nephew and aide-de-camp. His faculties remained un- impaired by the paroxysms of acute pain with which he was visited; and, though our princlnles forbade us to use the language of eulo- gy with reference to His Excellency, when living, we can now sin- cerely say that every circumstance, connected with his last moments, of which we have heard, was such as became the death-bed of a Christian. The Rev. W. A. Adamson, the Chaplain to the Lcgis'- tivG Council, who stems, even before the hour of sickness, to have won the confidence of His Lordship, was unremitting in his atten- dance and spiritup! consolations, when the danger became certain and imminent. O" Saturday evening the reverend gentleman ad- ministered the Holy Sacrament to the noble suiTerer, and to^'e se- veral members of the household, whom His Lordship had invited to unite with him in the sacred ordinance, and most so'^mn farevell. After this for a time. Lord Sydenham f'e\t somewhat reli<5ved ; but excruciating agonies again overtook him ; and having previously ta- ken a tender lenve of his sorrowing friends, and continuing earnest at his devotions, in a firm and clear voice, he met death with a tran- quil and collected mind ; and, in the presence of Mr. Adamson, re- signed his spirit to the merciful God who gave it. Such a melancholy termination to a splendid and prosperous ca- reer of human greatness must excite a deep and gpneral sympathy; LORD Sydenham's i>eath. 39 and the most determined opponent of Lord Sydenham's administra- iion, will, if he be worthy of the name of man, bury all personal animosity in his tomb. We do not ask any one to suffor emotions of compassion to overpower his judgement, and alter his conscien- tous opinion of His Lordship's character rs a statesman; but wo trust that his memory wi'' be treated with that forbearance, which is consistent with a lev j of tru'h, aad with that gentleness and pity, which the circumstances of his mournful depar'ure suggest. Far away from his native land with kw of his kindred about him. In the very hour when success had crowned his r.dniinistration, and when he was about to return homo, and, for the first time, take his seat in the noblest and most august legislative assembly in the woild, the House of Lords, death came, and in a few days, levelled to the ground the fabric of prosperity and grandeur, which had just receiv- ed its completion. We understand that tho leg of Lord Sydenham, which was bruis- ed by his fall, was opened, after death, by some of the medical men, and did not exhibit the slightest appearance of healing, remaining exactly in the state which it must have been immediately after tho accident. The other leg was afflicted with gout; and spasmodic af- fections, resulting from that dreadful disease, and almost approach- ing in intensity to lock-jaw, aggravated the bodily torments which His Lordship endured with so much resignation and meekness. The funeral is announced to take place at 11 o'clock, on the morning of Friday, the 24th instant. li is said that the Executive Council wished that the body should be interred at Toronto, as tho city whence His Lo:dship derived one of his titles, and as he had expressed a wisl. to be buried in Canada, not specifying any parti- cular place. The Executors, however. Major Campbell, the Mili- tary Secretary, and Mr. Dovvling, who was Lord Sydenham's pri- vate legal adviser, have determined otherwise, and His Lordship's iemain-: are to be deposited in St. George's Church, at Kingston, Mr. Murdoch, the Chief Secretary, it is currently reported, is to receive a legacy of £500 under His Lordship's will, for writing an account of the administration of the deceased Governor General. Every proper mark of respect, such as the melancholy event re- quires, has been paid by public authorities, and private individuals. The Mayor of Kingston has recommended that the day of tho fu- 40 NOTICES OF neral be observed us ♦* a day of mourning with every suitable so- lemnity, ^nd that all shops and places of business be closed, and aU irading and mechanical operations cease during the day." In this city the Mayor, upon being apprized of his Lordship's demise, offi- cially notified it to the citizens, and almost all the shops have since been partially closed. His Worship has since [issued a proclama- tion to the same effect as that set forth by the Mayor of Kingston, with this addition, that he requests all Masters and owners of Ves- sels in the Port of Toronto to cause their colours to be hoisted half- mast high, and to discontinue their loading and unloading, or other business, until sun-down of the day of the funeral. Preparations are being made to put up black hangings in the Cathedral, and no- thing, we are sure, which decency and good feeling require, will be left undone by the whole community. Lord Sydenham is the second person who has died Governor General of Canada. The Duke of Richmond, alone of his prede- cessors, departed life while holding that high station. His Grace perished from the bife of a fox, which caused lock-jaw. The Earl of Durham, who died about a twelvemonth ago, did not long sur- vive 1 i return from Canada. Except the Marquis Cornwallis, who breathed his last in India, while Governor General, we recollect no other representative of Majosty, dying in the colony which he was appointed to govern. It is rather a strange coincidence that Lord Sydenham's decease should so speedily have followed that of Gen- eral Harrison, the late President of the United States. Of the early life of Lord Sydenham, we are not well informed, but we believe that he was the son of an eminent English Merchant, and that, as a young m"n, he resided for son? lime at St. Peters, burgh, extensively engaged in that most valuable branch of com- merce, the Tallow-trade, He subsequently was returned to the House of Commons, and became a Member of that Liberal Admi- nistration, which, with some changes, has for the last eleven years, held the reins of power, and only just resigned them to the more able and conservative hands of Sir Robert Peel. His conduct in this capacity is thus spoken of in the Random Recollections of the Houae of Commons, an ephemeral work of no very great credit or ability. The account, however, of Lord Sydenham, then Mr. Thomson, seems tolerably correct : •■' I T- LORD Sydenham's death. 41 *' Mr. PouLETT Thomson, Member for Manchester, and Presi- dent of the Board of Trade, is chiefly distinguished for his free- trade notions. He is intimately acquainted with commercial sub- jects, and is tolerably informed on most political questions. He is a man of very considerable talents ; but his manner of delivery greatly mars the effect of his speeches. He invariable speaks in a drawling melancholy sort of tone, as if labouring under great dejec- tion of spirits. There is a twang about his voice, especially at the conclusion of his sentences, of which it were impossible lo convey any idea by mere description, but which has i saddenmg effect on his hearers. His enunciation is notwithstanding, very distinct; and though he does not speak very loudly, he is generally audible in all parts of the house. His personal appearance is of a pensive seri- ous cast. Nature, I think, must have intended him for the pulpit. He uses very little gesture when speaking, and that little is as mOiiotonous as the tones of hiS voice. He slightly moves his right arm, and from the beginning to the close of his speech, turns his face, first to the members of the Opposition on his left hand, and then to those on his right. He appears to most advantage in a set speech, though I have seen some of his replies very happy. He is of a mild disposition. He never indulges in coarse abuse or per- sonal vituperation of an opponent. When he speaks he is always listened to with attention. His utterance is rapid, and he speaks seemingly with much ease. His language is correct, but there is no appearance of its being studiedly polished. *'In person Mr. Poulett Thomson is rather above the middle size, and of somewhat slender make. His hair is dark — so is his com- plexion. He rejoices in whiskers of goodly proportions. His noso is large, and of a form approaching the aquiline. His features are strongly marked ; so much so that any one who had seen him once would be sure to recognise him again. He is about forty years of age. He is always plain in his dress." In the Autumn of 1839, Lord Sydenham succeeded Sir John Col- hovuQ (the present Lord Seaton) as Governor General of British 'V, r'h America. Having efl^ected the Union, he was rewarded in }B40 ,'/ith the peerage, as Baron of Sydenham in Kent, and of Toroniu in Canada. But a very few weeks before his death, if in- deed it was so much, he received, as an additional mark of royai favour, the order of Knight Grand Cross of the Bath. The Kings- ton Herald states, and we believe correctly, that His Excellency had commenced his 42nd year on the Friday preceding his decease. His title expires with him. Since the above was written, we have received the Kingstvn Chro- niclet from which we take the following additional particulars :-* *• It was on Friday night that His Excellency asked one of his F 43 NOTICES OP friends whether there was any hope of his ultimate recovery, when the gentleman to whom the question was put burst into tears, the meaning of which His Excellency immediately understood. * * When he had partaken of the Sacrament, which he did in company with every member of his family, ho took an affectionate leave of each of them individually. • * * He executed his Will on Saturday morning, and made presents of a variety of little things to his confidential friends. On Saturday evening he asked a gen- tleman in attendance if Parliament was prorogued, and on being an- swered in the affirmative, replied — * then all is right.' " (From the Mirror.) The death of the Governor General has cast a gloom over all parties. Singularly coincident with the prorogation of a Parlia- ment which had shown the ii : ; ::traordinary readiness to carry out his political views, his death kui lened at the very moment when he saw his almost every scheme in the full tide of successful ac- complishment — another striking lesson on the vanity of human hopes. He dies lamented by his political supporters, as the good genius of Canada, and by all as a great man, and one of the bright- est ornaments of English statesmanship. {From the Toronto Herald.) Opposed as we have always been to his Lordship's policy, we should be wanting in the attributes of humanity did we not sincerely deplore Lord Sydenham's untimely end, and, in common with our cotemporaries, manifest that respect which is due to his Lordship's memory. Wo merge all political considerations in the gener?\l sympathy lor his Lordship's premature death — suddenly cut off as he was in the flower of his life and the vigor of his intellect — and though we cannot honestly join in the eulogies penned by Lord Sydenham's admirers, far be it from us, while his unburied corps© lies cold in its winding sheet, to originate a single remark either derogatory to his abilities as a statesman, or disrespectful to his character as a gentleman. The Representative of our Sovereign has been called, by an inscrutable Providence, from time into eter- nity, and every British subject will unite in paying proper respect to hia memory. LORD Sydenham's death. 43 {From the Montreal Courier.) Lord Sydenham is Dead. — The energetic mind from whose la- bours Canada has received so much, and to whose untiring genius and skill she yet looked to receive so much more« is stilled and powerless. The lips which dictated the wisest policy this country ever knew, are mute and motionless. The high intellect which could comprehend the most intricate questions, and unravel as by magic the entangled interests of the country, has ceased to exist ; and all that belonged to the man has been swallowed up by death, leaving enough to cause us ever to regret that intentions so vast, designs so important, determinations so firm, talents so transcen- dant, should thus pass away, as it were in the face of their own glory. We can scarcely bring ourselves to write the words that an- nounce this event. It has come on us liko a thunder clap. It is the saddest conclusion to a mighty triumph that the imagination can picture. Wolfe conquered and died — his was the victory of the Soldier. Lord Sydenham has done no less — but his is a peaceful victory — and yet his fate is the same. If there was ever a man who fell a martyr to his principles — that man was Charles Poulett Thomson. Canada has had the best of him — his last parting energies were exerted in her cause, his last breath yielded for her. It is not three months since that he told Colonel Prince he would " die in harness and in carrying out those measures he deemed essential to the salvation of this country." — Canada should remember this. It should be recorded on his tomb — on the monuments that they should raise to his memory,now that he has departed from amongst us. It is now two years since Lord Sydenham arrived in Canada to carry out the plans which Lord Durham had done little more than suggest. Since the moment he sat foot on our shores he devoted himself to the task with an energy which his weak state of health rendered it quite impossible he could sustain for a long period of time, and which latterly had reduced him to the last stage of weak- ness. Still he would not desist, and even had the state of political parlies allowed him some time to unbend from the severe duties of his office it is possible that the man would have rejected the oppor- tunity. None was less inclined to trust to others what he could do by 44 NOTICES OF himself than Lord Sydenham. He combined in himself all the qualities of the man of business and the statesman, and had his bodily vigour been as powerful as his mental, nothing could have withstood him. Lord Sydenham's name is for ever connected with the fortunes of Canada. The Act of Union was in a great part his work, and the success which has hitherto attended its practical operations all his. The reward of nobility which his conduct drew from the So- vereign could not have been better deserved. It was purchased with his life. His Lordship has not been in one respect more fortunate than the meanest of his fellows ; he could not escape slander. His ene- mies will now perhaps observe the motto — ** De mortuis nil nisi honunif^^ but their shafts could not touch him, and his policy, which will survive his body, offers the best defence to his memory. (From the Montreal Courier.) Lord Sypenham. — All the public journals we have yet seen — all persons wiih whom we have conversed — speak but one language respecting this deceased Nobleman. Party feeling is disarmed, and personal animosity falls away before a conviction of the deep loss Canada has sustained. The most virulent — the most offensive of his opponents dare not so far insult public opinion as to do violence to his memory, and those who conscientiously dissented from his policy are the loudest in their expressions of grief at his loss. From the late information received from Kingston, we learn that his Lordship was sensible till a few hours before his decease, and prepared to meet death with that firmness of mind which was natu- ral to him. Having ascertained from those around him that his me- dical attendants had relinquished all hopes, he dictated some altera- tions to his will, received the sacrament, and having particularly en- quired whether Major-General Clitherow had prorogued the Par- liament, exclaimed, on being answered in the affirmative, — ** Now then I die content." His Lordship's remains will be conveyed to England directly that means are afforded for their transportation, and in the meantime \yill be preserved in a leaden coffin. LORD Sydenham's death. 45 (From the Montreal Courier.) Our Prospects. — The effects of the first shock which the tidings of the Governor's death occasioned have begun to pass away. — The events of a Session, the most important in the history of the Colony, are commencing to be appreciated, and the future gleams before us unobstructed by the clouds which a People's grief had cast upon the view. Lord Sydenham has sunk to his eternal rest ; but out of his ashes there shall arise the glory and the strength of the land, raising his monument at every point to which he has extended her commerce, and reciting his epitaph in every white sail that studs the bosom of her waters. That we revere his memory we seek not to conceal, nor is the avowal repressed by the forced frown of his foes, be they who they may. " Here's a sigh for those who love, And a smile for those who hate," — he might well have afforded to say, ere the seal of everlasting si- lence was apposed to his lips, and while the light of another world guided his tongue to truth. With a talent for business of the ve- ry highest order, and far more untiringly and energetically applied than that of the meanest or most elevated servant of the public, none evf, o< the manner in which he conducted the im- portant Government entrusted to his care. On the 20th of May last, His Lordship, while still in delicate health, left this city for Kingston, for the purpose of opening the first Session of the Unit- ed Legislature of Canada, but which, from the alarming character his indisposition had assumed, he was only destined to close by de- putation. It was intended that this ceremony should take place in His Excellency's apartment on Friday lastj but his Lordship was unable to undergo the fatigue, and, in accordance w''h the provi- sions of the Act of Union, a Commission was issued, appointing Major-General Clitherow to be Deputy-Governor for the purposes therein mentioned ; which, we believe, were confined to the giving the Royal sanction to some of the Bills passed during the Session, referring others for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure, and proroguing the Provincial Parliament. This IS not the time to speak at large of the true character and merits of the various public measures, which will long render the short but important Administration of Lord Sydenham memorable in the history of this province. It will be sufficient merely to ob- serve, that the whole of them were directed to the great national <&& cardinal point of cultivating the resources of the Province ; of lay- ing the foundation of free and liberal institutions, which, if admin- istered in the spirit in which they were conceived, cannot fail to render it happy and prosperous ; and of perpetually cementing its welfare and its interests with those of the Mother Country. Above all, the deep interest, the unquenchable zeal, the patriotic ardour,the firmness of purpose, and the undeviating resolution and persever- ance which, at all times and on all occasions, were exhibited by his Lordship, in carrying into efllect the grand healing measure of the Re-union of the Provinces, justly entitle his memory to the lasting gratitude and reverence of his countrymen both at home & abroad, and his tomb to be inscribed with the word '• Union," as a beacon to direct a people, still somewhat divided, from the shoals and quick- sands of jealousy and dissension. In his official and private intercourse with the people of this Pro- vince, Lord Sydenham was of easy access, of unafTected manners, aflfable in conversation, which, without the least show of undue as- sumption or arrogance, he always, and almost instantaneously, di- ■ LORD Sydenham's death. 49 rected to the leading topic of business or discussion. As a practi* cal man of business, it may safely be said that he had few equals* With these and other excellent qualities, which we stop not to dis" cuss at the present moment, the death of Lord Sydenham will bo sincerely and generally lamented in this Province. The Administration of the Government now devolves on His Excellency Sir Richard Jackson, Commander of the Forces in the Province, until further instructions shall have been received from home. (From the Montreal Herald.) A special messenger, who left Kingston about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, the 19ih, arrived in town yesterday afternoon about two, v/ith the melancholy intelligence of the decease of His Excellency the Governor General. This unexpected event has thrown a gloom over the whole com- munity. Whatever shades of political or party feeling may have existed, and in all enlightened communities such will always exist, they appeared to merge into one full and only feeling of deep heart- felt sorrow. Every one spoke and felt as it a personal benefactor had been removed from among them. The decease of His Excellency we look upon, as the greatest public calamity, whether we regard it as being, in the mean lime, deprived of an energetic Governor, or of an intelligent and power- ful advocate afterwards in the House of Lords. His administration whatever may have been its faults, has been characterised by a comprehensive conception of the interests of Canada, and an un- tiring assiduity to promote them. The province will continue to advance from the impetus which it has received, when the head that foresaw and the hand that directed it, are lying cold in the grave. If mistakes have been made, it will not be without advantage to party to reflect, when most disposed to violence, that all of us, those whom we praise and those whom we censure, are alike liable to the same errors, as we all are to the same accountability for our acti- ons to Almighty God, our Great and Final Judge. (From the Montreal Herald.) It is a rare circumstance that a representative of Majesty close?* his earthly career in a British Province, and the circumstances at- 50 NOTICES OF tending iho short but eventful administration of the Government of Canada by the late Lord Sydenham, have added to the pervading feeling of regret at the loss sustained by the province in consequence of his premature decease, in the flower of manhood, when the ex- ertions of a vigorous intellect like his were required to perfect the plans which he had designed for the good of the colony. His giant mind comprehended the vast resources of Canada, and his aim was to be in advance of those narrow spirits whose mental vision could not penetrate beyond the present order of things, and who were un- able to form an idea of the vast importance which Canada must yet sustain in the political and social world. (From the Canada Times.) We regret to announce the tidings of the decease of Lord Sy- denham, (Governor General of British North America,) — which event took place at Kingston on Sunday morning last, at 7 o'clock. The immediate cause of his death was inflammation, which ter- minated in lock-jaw. This ensued from the fracture of his leg, about a fortnight since, by a fall from his horse. His constitution was in a delicate condition, — he having but a short time ago reco- vered from a severe attack of the gout. The return of this dis- ease, since the unfortunate accident, could not be resisted by his en- feebled frame, — and he graduully sunk under its effects. We must candidly confess that language fails us when we ap- proach the mournful subject of Lord Sydenham's death ! So sud- denly has the effect of the intelligence we yesterday received, come upon us, — that if a thunderbolt had fallen at our feet, we could not have been more completely astounded. Party feeling, was, of course, thrown aside, — forgotten ! We thought only of the man, — yes, the NOBLEMAN, who but a few days since presided over the desti- nies of Canada. We had looked forward to Lord Sydenham's administration, as one which, would not only have been the means of ultimately sof- tening down the asperities, that have for a long time goaded the pub- lic of this Province almost to desperation, — but which would also have tended greatly to the advancement of the country, in the mo- ral, the political and the intellectual scale. There is not the slightest doubt, that Lord Sydenham had con- LORD Sydenham's death. 51 itantl}', in his mind the welfare of the Province over which he was called to preside; but ho had around him bad advisers, and with his earnest desire to use every exertion to regenerate a distracted coun' try, he fnunj himself, after all, but the mere tool of a party clique^ — who were anxious only for their own pockets, and who thought about as much of PATRIOTISM, and LOVE of COUNTRY,— or of LOYALTY AND ALLEGIANCE, as a wandering Arab docs, when with his spear in rest, and a dozen stout companions a^ his side, he rushes on a party of weary and defenceless pilgrims in the sandy desert. In our columns we have often had occasion to censure the policy of Lor.' Sydenham, and sometimes so to do with severity. But there is no one, even among his most distinguished sycophants, who at the present moment, more sincerely regrets his death, or who more deeply sympathises with his family and friends than we do. (From the Montreal Courier.) A Sermon preached in St. George's Churchy Kingston^ on the'iGth Sepiembert 1841, .,; the Death of Loni Sydenham, hy the Rev. W. A. Adamson, a. B., Chaplain to His Excellency. The Chapel of Saint George at Kingston had received but a few days its most illustirous tenant when the discourse whose title is placed above was delivered to a silent and mournful aud!<=)nce. The preacher was one of those whose office brought him constantly in contact with the deceased Nobleman — who had been present at his last hours — responded to his last prayer, and had marked the sharp agonies of a struggle which were endured with more than common fortitude. That the impression left on his mind by such a sceno was intensely painful, no one can doubt who reads this brief, but beautiful discourse, where the truths of Religion are brough: to charm away the horrors of death, and the worldly honor and t.tle of the illustrious dead only serve as a contrast to the humble resig- nr tion and piety which marked his dying hours. Between Lord Sy- denham the Peer — the favoured of his Sovereign — the arbiter of a thousand interests — the gifted in mind, — and the aflllicted sufferer whose protracted hours of pain were slowly drawing to a close, how enormous was the distance ! The mind of the sensitive stranger might well shrink from the contemplation of so severe a contrast, 52 NOTICES OF ■'i . ,1. but in doing so it would show itself to be less disciplined than that of the poor sufferer himself, who could rogarr! with the indiffeience mere temporal objects were at such a moment calculated to excite, all that had gone beforcj and fixing his hopes steudfastly on the fu- turo, ask from the present only those consolations which are calcu- lated to speed the soul on its journey to Heaven. There ia a vulgar curioaity which seeks to draw aside the , eil which shuts out the exalted in station from the common gaze of thtj ;vcrld, and ask how the rich died. They have so much to render life precions that it would seem as though the v/arning to quit were more ♦errible totham than when it strikes on the ears of the wretch- ed and oppressed. It is a great error — prejudical to religion, which arms all men equally — and arising out of an ignorance of the caus- es which affect man as a sensitive being, and give rise to pain and enjoyment. In the case of Lord Sydenham we have a striking ex- ample of this. To none could the hope of existence present a more alluring picture, or hold out more glittering prospects of enjoyment. Death at such a moment to us seemed cruel, and we could almost murmur at the inexorable decree did we not hold the assurance -hat he for whom our sympathies are excited 'uttered no compla;nt at all, but humbled himself with mfik resignation to his fate, and prayed only that God might pardon him his iniquities. *'If imagination (says the preacher) were tasked to deviso an event that united the extremes of corporeal suffering and national calamity, that cor.ibined all the anguish of mortality, with the more tremendous impressions of eternity, imagination itself would faint under the burthen of conceiving a portion of that evil waAch bow& us down before God in grief, in terror, and I trust in repentance this day. ** The image of u young and wealthy intellectual English Noble- man, bound to existence by so many delightful ties, the honoured of his country, the favored of his Sovereign, sacrificing health, enjoyment, & lite itself in the service of >nis our country, requires scarce an additional feature to interest every man for his welfare — add, that the hearts of thousands are knit to him as the heart of one man, that the hearts or those who differ most widely from his policy, honor his integrity and throb for his safety, that the hopes and prospects of peace for this vast Province are centred in him, that England, and England's Sovereign, and ours, look anxiously to his wisdom to guide us through the orean of perils by which we are surrounded, and surely our knees would be instantl> and eager.- ly bent in supplication for his liiV, LOKD Sydenham's death. 53 *♦ Such prayers doubtless have been pu* up cy many, without the parade of affected feeling or exaggerated devotion — they have been answered, but not as the suppliants expected. He is no more — he lies there cold and inanimate. The eloquent tongue is silefit — the master-rr-ind is at rest, — the warm heart has ceased to beat. *' He has been snrilten in the accumulated enjoyment of youth, wealtl', eminence, honour and success. ^\o event of greater horror and anguish ever desolated the an- nals of this Province, no event of similar importance has left its awful hack upon the page of iis history. But from history we turn at this moment with disgust : at such a moment as this, we seek, like Joseph, a place where we may weep, and go to our chambers and weep there. This is a case m which even Man weeps ; and no one can chide his tears, and no one can dry them. *' Perhaps there is no place from which the awful lessons of this event should sink into our hearts with more force and weight than that from which I address you. Our business here is not to pr "je man, nor any child of man : our business here is not *' to soothe the dull cold ear of death with flattery'- j not to tell you of time — but of 3ternity. Yet, as eternity, in this wretched, perishable existence, must often borrow its subjects from time, \ demand, had we ever such a topic to urge you on, so full of grief so full of instruction ? — Never : kingdoms have passed away, and they have left no impres- sion behind them on earth ; their rulers are gone, and have left lit- tle but the frightful traces of their crimes. The mighty of the earth are gone — the conquerors are departed — "The proud are robb'd and have slept." Who mournrd for them ? Tears were shed for them indeed ; but they were shed by the widow." p,:.d orphans whom :]ieir swords had mr>de, But he is mojrned by the tears of those from './'hose eyes he never drew a tear, but the bitter one that drops upon his grave. ** All panegyric is idle and profane. His best eulogy is that burst of sorrow that answers me at ♦his moment — that awful murmur of involuntary grief which at this moment is echoing through this vast continent. ** But he * beiiig dead yet speaketh,' and through me call upon you solemnly to consider the words of our text, which were amongst the last he uttered — *^ Pardon, O Lord, mine iniquity for it is great." " His attention had been directed to the 25th Psalm, from whence these words were taken. He appreciated its beauties, and felt its consolation. Again and again he repeated t>om it the cries of Da- vid, when under a.Tliction similar to his own : — ** Shew me thy ♦« ways, O Lord teach me thy paths; lead me in thy truth, and teach " me, for thou art the God of my salvation" ; Remember not the *• sins of my yf^uth, nor my transgressions ; according to thy mer- ♦' oy renicmber thou me, (or thy goodness sake, O Lord"; "Send " thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, for I am desolate and " afflicted ; look upon my affliction and forgive all my sins." But 54 NOTICES OF I' especially, and above all, did he cling to, and urge tlie humble pray- er of the Royal Psalm, lst-*'For thy name's sake, O Lord, par- ♦♦ don mine iniquity, for it is great." He saw that Adam's single sin of disobedience, by which man tell, was great ; that it insulted God, denied his tiulh, defied his authority. He saw that the Patri- archs and Prophets had reason to join with the Psalmist in adtriow- ledging, that for the reason their *' iniquity was great" ; and that professing, sinning Christians have much more reason, with their hands on their mouths, and their mouths in the dust, to acknowledge this deeply humiliating truth." We know no more beautiful picture than this,and we trust that it will dwell in the hearts of all, that those exposed to less worldly temp- tation than this nobleman may, when their last hour arrives, meet death with the same piety and resignation. Let them remember, to refer again to the words of the preacher — *' That this illustrious person, with anguish unspeakable — amidst agony utterable, could say, on the announcement that all his earthly hopes were about to have an end, — ♦' God's will be done' — and then cry with dtivoted sincerity * for thy name's sake, Oh Lord, paidon mine iniquity for it is great.' " My brethren we may soon be called to undergo a trial like this, Oh ! let us pray for his resignation and his hope !" (JProm the Toronto Herald) It is our melancholy duty to announce the dissolution of Lord Sydenham, which took place at Kingston on Sunday morning last. The intelligence was communicated to His Worship the Mayor, by Mr. Secretary Murdoch, and circulars were issued immediately announcing his Lordship's decease to the inhabitants, the greater part of whom expressed their regret at the sudden affliction, and their respect for the memory of his Lordship, by partly closing the windows of their stores and dwelling houses. On Wednesday, the Niagara having brought up the official information that the Funeraj of His Excellency the Governor General would take place on Fri- day next, 24th instant, at Kingston, the procession to leave the Go- vernment House at 11 o'clock, a. m. — the Mayor promptly issued a proclamation, which will be found in our columns, requiring and enjoining all persons to observe Fiiday as a day of mourning. In addition to these public demonstrations of grief, it is to be hoped that the several churches and chapels in the city will bo opened » LORD Sydenham's death. 55 and that divine worship, including the funeral service, will be so- lemnized therein. His Excellency's suffering for some time preceding his death are described as most intensely excruciating, but Iilo fortitude never for- sook him. On Saturday evening, in presence of his household his Lordship received the Holy Sacrament at the hands of the Rev- Mr. Adamson, who had attended his bedside during his illness." As the moment of dissolution approached, his Lordship continued per- fectly sensible and collected, and met the dying struggle with com- posure and resignation. His Lordship was in his 42nd year. Opposed as we have always been to His Lordship's policy, we should be watting in the attributes of humanity did we not sincere- ly deplore Lord Sydenham's untimely end, and, in common with our cotemporaries, manifest that respect which is due to his Lord- ship's memory. We merge all political considerations in the gene- ral sympathy for his Lordship's premature death — suddenly cut off as he was in the flower of his life and the vigour of his intellect — and though we cannot honestly join in the eulogies penned by Lord Sydenham's admirers, far be it from us, while his unburied corpse lies cold in its winding sheet, to originate a single remark either de- rogatory to his abilities as a statesman, or disrespectful to his cha- racter as a gentleman. The Representative of our Sovereign has been called, by an inscrutaule providence, from time into eltrnity, and every British subject will unite in payin^' proper respect to his memory. ^ (From the Sherhrooke Journal 8f Gazelle.) «« Death loves a shining mark." Seldom has this sentiment been more forcibly illustrated than in the death of the illustrious noble- man we are this week called upon to record. Lord Sydenham is dead. He who has, with a master hand wielded the destinies of Ca- nada for the last two years, has yielded to the King of Terrors.— It is a singular coincidence that the same mail which brought the account of His Excellency's resignation of the Government to his Queen, and the appointment of his successor, should also have brought the news of his having resigned his life to his Creator. If there was ever a man (justly observed the Editor of the Mon- treal Courier) who fell a martyr to his principles— that man was 66 NOTICES OF Chas. Poulctt Thomson. Canada has had the best of him — his last parting energies were exerted in her cause, his last breath yielded for her. It is not three months since that he told Colonel Princo he wculd " die in harness and in carrying out those measures he deemed essential to the salvation of this Country.'^ Canada should remember this. It shoulii be recorded on his tomb — on the monuments that they should raise to his memory, now that he has departed from among us. It is now two years since Lord Sydenham arrived in Canada to carry out the plans which Lord Durham had done little more than suggest. Since the moment he set foot on our shores he devoted himself to the task with an energy which his weak state of health rendered it quite impossible he could sustain for a long period of time, and which latterly had reduced him to the last state of weak- ness. Still he would not desist, and even had the state of pohtical parties allowed him some time to unbend from the severe duties of his office it is possible that the man would have rejected the opportu- nity. No one was less inclined to trust to others what he could do by himself than Lord Sydenham. He combined in himself all the qualities of the man of business and the statesman, and had his bo- dily vigour been as powerful as his mental nothing could have with- stood him. Lord Sydenham's name is for ever connected with the fortunes of Canada. The Act of Union was in a great part his work, and the success which has hitherto attended its practical operation all his. The reward of nobility which his conduct drew from the Sovereign could not have been better deserved. It was purchased with his life. From the Brockville New Era. Could our pen supply words expressive of one half of the pain and sorrow with which this melancholy event has filled us, we might find some slight relief from the consciousness of having at least unburthened ourselves of a heavy weight of mingled duty and affliction ; but never more than at this moment, did we feel the ab- solute inadequacy of language to depict the unaffected g 'ef of the soul. The news of the death of Lord Sydenham — of the first, the greatest, mon who has practically legislated for this country — has, S5!S» LORD Sydenham's death. 57 in defiance of the knowledge we possessed of his recent complicated sufferings, burst upon us with a startling solemnity we could not havo believed it possible the event could inspire, and our whole being seems, as it were enshrouded in an atmosphere of stupor, in which we are alive but to one bewildering consciousness — ono continu- ous and melancholy wailing cry ♦« Lord Sydenham is deadJ' In truth our reason— not less than our feeling,— is stultified, and we look upon the fatal termination of the days of the highly gifted Statesman and'Nobleman, not only with that deep regret which is due to him in his public character, and which will be shared by the whole country, but with a profound personal sorrow, for the exis- tence of which we can only account, by attributing it to the power and influence of that private respect for his character, which His Lordship's public acts have had a direct tendency to command in the minds of all reflecting'men. And if thus sincere be our regret for the sad demise of Lord_Sydenham,with whom we have never had the honour of more than a single interview, and our opmion of whom has been formed wholly from the public conduct pursued by him in this country, what must not be tho poignancy of grief of those who have been honored with his private confidence and friendship ? and who have had ample opporlunity of observing the intricate and pow- erful springs of the master-mind which, in the space of a few short months, and amid difficulties the most disheartening and discourag- ing, had achieved so much for this country ? Alas what is human life but vanity ? what the most brilliant iiha- ginings and deeds of the most talented and the most mighty, but so many idle and evanescent dreams which a passing breath — acusua- lity of the moment may wholly overturn and destroy. High in I'.ie reputation which he had gained by his own profound talent for di- plomacy — rich in the approbation bestowed upon his unceasing and successful labors by his Sovereign — conscious of having merited the good will and opinion of the people of this country, whom he had ruined his health to benefit, — Lord Sydenham was already prepa- ring to return to England, to repose for a period (long or short as the ■ olitical changes in the Imperial Government might induce^ from the toils and sufferings (bodily as well as mental) inseparable from his difficult Government, when an accident savoring of fate — of destiny — occurs, which puts an end, not only to the high hopes 11 58 NOTICES OF 1*^ i r formed by the country, but to all his own fair expectations of eir- joying in temporary quiet the reward of his successful public life. Who will deny to us the existence and the power of Fate ] Was it not fate that caused his Lordship to ride out on the occasion of his melancholy fall ? Was it not fate that led him to follow, while unattended, the only part of the road where it was likely his horse could stumble ? Was it not fate that induced him to send away on some mission that might as well have been executed later, not five minutes before the melancholy accident occurred, his Military Se- cretary, whose continued presence at his side would assuredly have prevented the fatal consequences which resulted from the stumbling of the unchecked animal? Even at that moment in all human pro- bability His Excellency was indulging in a reverie — the natural re- sult of his being alone — in which visions of his speedy return to England blended themselves with a just sense of the favorable man- ner of his reception on that return, while the future seemed to pre- sent an unclouded and a flattering prospect, the final and well me- rited reward of a successful life of political toil. Nor is this by aay means an improbable surmise, for devoted as had been almost every moment of his life to the public, it could only have been dur- ing his occasional rides of recreation, that His Excellency could at all find time to think either of himself or his own personal inter- ests. We repeat our impression then, that the very abstraction produced by his isolation from those whoso presence would natu- rally have interrupted the chain of his musings, had caused his Lordship, while indulging in these, to slacken the reins of his horse, who thus unsupported, could not recover himself sufficiently to pre- vent his coming to the ground, while from the same cause, his rider thrown off his guard, or rather taken by surprise, had not presence of mind to think of his extricating his foot from the stirrup. How true then is the prophetic warning, " that in the midst of life we are in death ;" and that we know not in one hour what the next may bring forth : Poor vain and imperfect things of clay that we are, how does Fate, whose decrees are immutable, love to mock our warmest hopes even the very threshold of supposed realization, and palsy the hand that is already outstretched to grasp the prize which has been coveted through long years of abstinence and trial. There is something so painfully affecting in the manner of Lord w LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH. 59 ) Sydenham's death, or rather in the causes which have led to it, that the bereavement comes upon us with a suddenness — a shock we skould not have experienced under any ordinary dispensation of Providence. Had his Lordship even perished solely by a natural return of that malady which had already so grievously afflicted him since his arrival in the country, the mind being prepared for its possible recurrence, would have been in some degree armed for the stroke which would have fallen less heavily upon it, but knowing as we do that the disease, which has terminated in death, has been brought on wholly by the deplorable tissue of circumstances to which we have referred,it is impossible (puerile though it be) to pte- vent a feeling of deep bitterness, not only against the vile road, the stumbling horse, but all the concurrent and adverse causes which have contributed to the catastrophe, from mingling with, and in- creasing in a tenfold degree, the sorrow which however profound, would have been in a measure subdued by a knowledge that the im- mediate and chastening hand of God had alone inflicted the blow. Is there not something melancholy in the thought that, with common care and with common prudence, the valuable life of Lord Syden- ham might have been spared not only to the people of ;his country for whom he has already done so much, and for whom he intended so much more, but to his own personal friends and acquaintance ? Is there not something painfully agonizing in the very natural as- sumption that His Lordship himself, even while in the act of in- dulging in anticipations of an honorable future in his own beloved country, after having raised this to dignity and consideration, was cut short in his visionary speculation by the warning and outstretch- ed finger of relentless death, who had already marked him for his own % Is there not something inexpressibly heart-rending in the reflection that the ill-fated Statesman and nobleman, whose depait- ure for England it had been rumoured, would take place on the twenty-second of September, lies on the twenty-second of Septem- ber a cold and inanimate corpse in Alwington House, freed alike from the pains and the pleasures — the vain aspirations and fluc- tuating desires of this poor and transitory existence — and heedless as well of the sincere regret of his warmest admirers, as of the af- fected condolence of those, who, while paying a forced tribute of regret to the man, can but ill conceal their deep exultation at the 60 NOTICES OF m^ final removal of the Governor ? If these things do not tend to im- press us with the absolute nothingness of this life — the vanity of all human distinction and power, we know not through what more ap- propriiite channel the lesson can reach us. OLtd is no hollow praise tendered at the footstool of power — no heartless tribute to the merit of one who has the ability to reward it. Alas ' Lord Sydenham is powerless to do us good, or to do u» harm. While living no fulsome panegyric, — no personal praise (deeply impressed thouf^h we were with a sense of his extraordinary Armness of character aud high political attainments^) ever escaped our pen. If wc noticed his Lordship then, it was only thro* his public acts, which, we hesitate not to say, have been unequalled in benefit by any thing ever hitherto done for any country in th« same limited time, and will never be surpassed. But now that death — the melancholy death we have already noticed — has removed the barrier a sense of delicacy would not permit us to overleap, we feel that we can without fear of our motive being misunderstood^ give vent both to our admiration of his Lordship while living, and to the unfeigned grief with which his most unfortunate demise has oppressed us. Yet wherefore do we write as though we were alone in our lamentation ? At present the astounding event has bowed many a noble heart in the silence of sorrow, but there speedily will be a reaction, when the voice of the people will be loud to pro- claim the magnitude of the evil they have sustained. As long as these mighty waters shall flow — as long as these noble forests shall remain — so long shall endure the mingled regret and gratitude of a people for the memory of the noble and disinterested ruler, who sacrificed health and life for the promotion of their good, and who with incomparable resolution — with a grandeur of mind wonderful beyond estimation — devoted even the last moments of his existence, and these marked by extreme bodily agony, to them and to them alone ! Lord Sydenham's name and acts like the name and acts of his equally noble-minded predecessor Lord Durham, to whose comprehensive plans he was destined to give practical effect, must forever live in the page of Canadian History, and be identified with the advancement of Canadian prosperity. The length and personal character of our remarks, wholly pre- clude the introduction, into our present number, of matter bearing more fully upon the lamented Statesman's public conduct since his arrival in this country, but we shall take an early opportunity of passing this in review, in the manner it deserves. :^;-: t- LORD Sydenham's death. 61 {} {From the Bathunl Courier.) It becomes our sad and grievous duty to announce the death of Ix>rd Sydenham, which took place at Government House, Kingston, on Sunday morning last, about seven o'clock. This we have ga- thered from private sources, which can be relied on. We under- stand that His Lordship's medical attendants had despaired of his recovery Thursday last, when Dr. Dunlop was consulted as to tho propriety of taking the leg off. He replied "that he would not survive the operation more than six hours, and might live forty- oight by leaving it on." As our correspondent mentioned in our last. His Lordship was seized with the gout, the pain v,as so excruciating that it brought on spaums in the stomach, and finally caused death by sufTocation. His Lordship was not convinced of his danger un- til Friday, when Major General Clitherow was sworn in Deputy Governor. This melancholy event has cast a deep gloom upon every countenance, political friend or foe, by the honest regrets of a people to whom His Lordship was endeared for his high and ac- tive talents as a Statesman ; his general knowledge of the wants of the community, and desire for their welfare ; he was the people's friend. We have not now one bright prospect before us, either po- litically or socially, to dispel the over-shadowing gloom into which the country is thrown. VVe fear we are a doomed people ! (From the Prince Edward Gazette.) The Governor General is no more ! It has been the will of the Most High to remove from among us a patriot and a statesman. — On Sunday morning, the 19th inst. at five minutes after 7 o'clock. His Excellency breathed out his spirit to Him who gave it, in the 42d year of his age. Whatever may be the feelings of neglected or disappointed aspirants, all must accord to him the credit of an indefatigable perseverance in the object of his mission to this coun- try. To assimilate and bnng together the various and conflicting interests of a province convulsed with political dissensions, requir- ed the exertions of a master mind — and such was Lord Sydenham's. The ingenuity with which he introduced and carried out his mea- sures was peculiar to himself, and in whatever light political men may view his conduct, they must admit that few have ever origi- nated such extensive and liberal schemes for the promocion of the welfare of Canada ; and the last proof of his attachment to our country, is his express desire to be buried in her soil. VVe take the following from the Kingston Herald ; — The death of Lord Sydenham, when it happened, seems as if the Almighty had decreed that matters so momentous should be sealed with the utmost solemnity. No sooner had the hand of his Excel- lency performed its most important offices — subscribed his will, and superscribed all the instruments of the Legislature, — than it 62 NOTICES OF ceo::ed to move ; und there was but time for the effusions of affec- tionate feeling, thoughts of a better world, and for adnninistering the Holy Sacrament to the dying man, before his spirit returned to Him who gave it. The death of Lord Sydenham, thus strikingly marked, can leave but one impression on the public mind — submission to the All- wise disposer of events ; and an humble trust that God will never aban- don those who arc worthy of his regard. Government House, Sunday Morning, 19th September. Sib, — It is my painful duty to communicate to you the melan- choly intelligence of the decease of His Excellency the Governor- General. His Excellency breathed his last at five minutes after seven o'clock this morning. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, THOS. C. MURDOCH. The Mayor, Kingston, (From the Hamilton Journal and Express.) Such is the brief announcement which conveys to an afflicted people the mournful intelligence of the death of their best friend. Prepared as they were for the blow, by preceding accounts, yet the reality was received as a shock, and deep are the feelings of regret which pervade every class of the community, eschewing party politics for the time, and mingling in one lament, at the loss of a great man, and the humbling reflection of the mutability of all human aspirations. Lord Sydenham's administration of Canada will form a theme for the historian's pen, and in other times and by other men justice will be done to his great abilities and labours. His arrival in this Province, hailed as it was by the reformers with anticipations of the most cheering nature, was the precursor of a happy and prosperous era for Canada that fully justified the confi- dence the people were ready to award liim. Combining states- man-like talents of the highest order with great practical experi- ence, and much personal industry, he was the very man among all others best suited for the arduous and responsible duties of Gover- nor-General over the most important of Britain's colonial posses- sions. Lord Durham's report, that admirable theory of political Government, was the text book by which Lord Sydenham was guided, and the peculiar sagacity with which he applied principles, hitherto considered as adapte ^ only to British practice, in the ad- ministration of Canadian Government, entitle him to a place in the catalogue of the benefactors of this Province, superior to all that have gone before him, and, we believe not inferior to any that may follow. The great principle of Responsible Government, so libc- LORD Sydenham's death. 68 rally conceded to this Province by tho British Ministry, ullhough evidently necessary to the administration of Canadian afTairs, still required much patient and earnest attention to ensure its peaceable and 8ucces«iiYil application. For harassed as he was on the one hand by the violent opposition of the factious, the disappointed, and the bigoted ; and but ieebly supported on the other by those who, although every consideration of duty and interest should pronnpt them to active exertion, remained in slothful apathy. Lord Syden- ham had difficulties to contend with at the commencement of his career in this Province which few men but himself could have sur- mounted. All these obstacles gradually vanishing before his cool determination and indomitable perseverance, the late Governor- General was rapidly consummating those extensive and beneficial schemes which he had hitherto so successfully directed, when the abrupt stroke of death terminated alike his mortal career, and the progress of that extensive political system which would ultimately have redounded so greatly to his own honour, and have resulted in so much advantage to the country. That Canada has reason to mourn so severe a loss, is too painfully apparent to require argu- ment. And in England a blank will be left in the political circle which will with difficulty be filled. It is melancholy to reflect, that at the very time when Lord Syden- ham, purely by the power of his own transcendent talents & indefati- gable industry — by his nimbleness of intellect, and political integ- rity — by his vast practical knowledge and business-like habits, had elevated himself first to a prominent political position and high of- ficial estimation in England — then to no less honorable, and fur more arduous appointment of pacificator to a valuable colony, agi- tated by internal dissension and threatened by foreign aggression, with its commerce depressed, public improvement at a stop, and property every day depreciating in value ; an appointment in which the success that crowned his endeavours procured for him his Sov- ereign's approbation, and the gift of a peerage. We say it is mel- ancholy to reflect that at that period when, in all human probability, he had many years of useful activity, or honorable retiremant to pass through. Providence should in its wisdom, have seen fit to cut him ofTfrom among those who had watched his progress, and would have rejoiced in his triumph. It is no insignificant testimony to the purity of intention, the integrity of conduct, and the sagacious foresight which characteri- zed Lord Sydenham's administration, that even those who, when he first came to this Province, were the most violent in their oppo- sition, and the most rabid in their abuse, afterwards moderated in their opinions, and ultimately became his warm supporters. It speaks much for the liberality and honesty of his policy — it says much for his watchful attention and earnest anxiety to promote the welfare of the Province — that out of the most discordant elements, he managed to evolve harmony inaction — that with a legislature 64 NOTICES OF composed of every shade of political complexion, he was enabled to pass measures of vital importance to the country. The circumscribed limits of a newspaper notice are insufticjent to reconsider even briefly, the various incidents in the career of th's gifted and distinguished nobleman, but we could not announce his death, without expressing what we are sure will be echoed by all our readers our unfeigned admiration of his talents ; our sincere re- gret for his sudden and preniature decease, — and our deep sense of the loss Canada has sustained by this melancholy event. ■1'^ (From the Journal and Express.) The Colonial policy of Britain has been liberalized, and cabala and family compacts, in colonies — together with rotten boroughs and exclusive corporations at home — have been quietly interred, and now rest for ever in the ** tomb of all the Capulets." The policy marked out by Lord Durham, and so ably followed by Lord Sydenham, has resuscitated the dying hopes of Canada ; and while all is tranquil from Gaspe to Sandwich, the great measures perfect- ed in the last Parliament — for local self government, education and improvements occupy the attention of the people, and fill their hearts with sanguine expectations of future prosperity as well as with admiration of the indomitable perseverance, integrity and splendid talents of the illustrious dead, who, while the hand of death was upon him, prayed that '* Almighty God might pour down upon this Province all the blessings which in bis heart he was de- sirous it should enjoy." The memory of Lord Sydenham is im- printed on the heart of the country — his epitaph is engraved upon the mind of its people. From every part of the Province — no mat- ter of what political hue — our exchange papers come surrounded with the badge of deep mourning, and fervent expression of grief and regret, at the loss of a great and good man. The death of Lord Sydenham is a public calamity. The wisdom and justice of his Lordship's government are now universally acknowledged, and those who opposed him when alive — and they were few indeed — now that he is dead, find it difficult to justify the cause of their op- position. Every sectional difference has been laid aside to do hon- our to the deceased. In the same spirit then, let it be known to his successor, that to preserve tranquillity,to increase trade, to sup- port agriculture, draw out the resources of the country, and make Canada an united and happy people, the policy of Lord Sydenham must be continued. We believe the hopes of the country will be realized — policy, without a more patriotic motive, will induce Sir Robert Peel, not to deviate from the only safe course by which Canada can be governed with advantage to it^i people and honour to the Sovereign. The reformers, who constitute nine-tenths of the population — have cause to be pnud of their present position and to rejoice at the success of their efforts — but to maintain that position tORD Sydenham's death. 65 they must be united, firm, and watchful, An article, which wo copy from the Colonial Gazelle, will be found full of hope for the supporters of Lord Sydenham's Government, and coming as it docs from one who possesses the very best means of gaining correct in- formation, the assertions therein contained, may bo relied upon as fact. (From the Niagara Chronicle.) The Governor General has been taken from us at a critical junc- ture, but while lamenting tlio loss we have sustained, there is no cause for despondency. Great as 'vere his lordship's talents, and consummate as were his tactics, the conservatives of Britain can furnish many statesmen as well qualified to govern Canada. (From the Brantford Courier.) It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow, we would convey to our readers the melancholy intelligence of the death of the Represen- tative of our Sovereign, the Governor General of British North America, who breathed his last on Sunday morning, at a ^q\w minutes after seven A. M. Thus closed the earthly career of our lamented Grovernor. — In the meridian of his life, and the height of his prosperity, he is sum- moned in a moment to the eternal world. Relentless death would not release him, no prayers could avail, his bounds were set and he could not go over them. *' Verily man at his best estate is alto- gether vanity." To many, this event will doubtless seem untimely, and they may be tempted lo say with the Grecian General — " Alasl that he should die at an hour like this," when the entire commu- nity are looking forward for days of civil, commercial, and reli- gious prosperity ; but so it is, he is gone ! his kindly heart that throbbed high with noble purposes, is still ; in peace rest the ashes of the friend and benefactor of Canada, and may his name long be cherished in the bosom of every true patriot. (From the Niagara Reporter.) The afflicted inhabitants of this unfortunate Colony are weeping over the untimely grave of a distinguished statesman, who recently occupied a conspicuous place among the living great men of the British Empire. He assumed the management of colonial affairs soon after that political storm, which convulsed Canada from centre to circumference. The waves of discord had not subsided when Lord Sydenham grasped the uelm.and became the political pi- lot of a great and growing Province. The gleaner — death, who de- mands millions at a meal found him at his post, and put a period to bis existence. An extra marked with mourning, brought the mel- m 66 NOTICES OF I' ,1° ancholy tiding lo us on Tuesday last. His Excellency departed this life about seven o'clock on Sunday morning. The melan- choly intelligence which makes Canada mourn will fill England with sorrow. His Lordship possessed those noble attributes which adorn hu- man nature. Those who were the recipients of his benevolence, will mingle the tears of gratitude with those of pungent sorrow. His gifted and cultivated mind enabled him to fathom at once mat- ters many could not understand after laborious research and severe examination. He exerted his grept mind to promote the welfare of Canada, and those who have aspersed his motives, or criticised his measures, will join with his ardent admirers, and mourn the premature decease of the great statesman and the good man. Whilst this colony wears the weeds of mourning for the loss of that illustrious individual, who was a host in himself, (Lord Durham,) we deplore the decline of another star. Lord Sydenham elicited the warmest feelings of admiration from those with wnom his Lordship associated, and he was an ornament in that elevated circle of society in which ho moved. His memory is embalmed in the recollectionof a grateful people, who are capable of appreciating departed worth. May his spirit be the guardian angel of Canada. Frcm the Cohourg Star. It is our melancholy duty to announce the death of the Right Hon. Charles Poulett Thomson, Baron Sydenham, of Sydenham in Kent and Toronto in Canada, and Governor General of British North America. He was the son of J Poulett Thomson, Esq, of Roehamp- lon, in Surrey, and Austin Friars; was Vice President of the Board of Trade, and Treasurer of the Navy, from 1830 till July 1834, when he became President, till the dissolution of Lord Melbourne's Cabinet in November of that year. In April 1835, he resumed his situation. He was a Commissioner of Greenwich Hospital, was a Merchant in the City of London engaged in the Baltic and Rus- sia trades, but on his accession to office at the formation of the Grey administration, he withdrew his name fron>, the Firm to which he belonged, though he still retained a share in the business. He sat for Dover from 1826 to 1832, when he was elected both for that Borough and Manchester ; he selected the latter, for which he con- tinued lo sit till 1839, when he was appointed to succeed Sir John Colborne, as Governor General of Canada, where he arrived in the month of September ; was in 1840 raised to the Peerage, and lately, as a further mark of Her Majesty's Ministers approbation of his conduct, was made a Knight Companion of the Bath ; a singu- la»* honour, in as much as the Order of the Bath has hitherto been confined, almost exclusively, to Naval and Military Officers. His Lordship's talents were of the highest order, and as a mercantile LORD Sydenham's death. 67 financier he occupied ono of the foremost ranks, industrious and indefatigable beyond measure,difficulties which would subdue others, yielded to him ; he spared neither mental nor bodily exertion to carry out his plans, and no matter how highly we may disapprove of his measures we cannot but adinire his tact. As a private friend he was kind and generous, as we have heard, and the party to which he attached himself has reason deeply to regret his death, nor will their regret be one whit more sincere than that which his opponents feel at the fatal termination of his government ; as the representative of our Queen we respected him. His death has af- forded another proof of the uncertainty of human life, and of the inability of wealth or station to ward off the grim tyrant ; earthly honours had just commenced to be heaped upon him ; he was ho- noured by his Queen and respected by a large body of the people whom he ruled; he would shortly have revisited his native country, where he might have materially assisted us, but it has seemed pleas* ing to the Giver of life to frustrate those hopes and expectations, and call him to himself. Personally and politically opposed to his Lordship, we nevertheless feel a deep regret at his untimely death, and while we would pay a tribute to him as to our delegated Sove- reign, we drop the curtain over what we have considered (wrongly perhaps) his faults and foibl es. 1 f (From the Norfolk Observer.) The Governor General dead ! then a master mind has departed from the earth — wealth, rank, power nor talent could save him from the common lot — how forcibly does an incident of this nature lay bei ^e us, in glaring colors the frail tenure of mortality, truly in the nidstof life we are in death, and we know not the hour when our change cometh,even in that moment when our mental horizon is unclouded, when sanguine hopes beat high, and the mind, in the full 'Confidence of success is calm as an unruffled lake, the storm may be gathering, that will ere long pour on us its fiercest blast — in the twinkling of an eye our dreams of ambition and aggradize- raent are frustrated, our lofty projects levelled with the dust — the silver chord of life is loosened, and the golden bowl broken at the fountain. Although we have no intention on the present occasion of presenting our readers with a homily on death, yet when we con- sider the past history of our late Governor General, the high posi- tion to which the favour of His Sovereign had raised him, and his having been just on the eve of returning to Great Britain to claim and enjoy the honors which had been heaped upon him, when ar- rested by the cold hand of death, reflections like the above are a natural consequence. From the pos'tion which we have assumed in the management of ihis journal of neutrality in politics, we have bsen precluded from ,€Xj)i'es£ing our own opinions, as !o the many important acts of the 68 NOTICES OF late Lord Sydenham's administration, and although it is genersfijr known that personally we condemned many of his measures as ha- zardous and imprudent, we have no hesitation in according to his memory our humble meed of approbation of his splendid talents, of his undoubted attachments to British institutions, and of a warm and sincere desire to promote the interest and prosperity of this noble portion of the empire — whether he has been mistaken in the views he had formed, or the course he had adopted, it is not for us to say — tempus omnia revelat — but should the splendid scheme of inter- nal improvement laid down by his masterly mind, be carried out to a successful issue, the people of this Province will long retain a grateful recollection of the foresight and unwearied efforts made by his Lordship, to ensure a speedy developement ot the resources of this colony. We have no wish to become the panegyrist of our late Governor, but neither have we any desire to conceal our opini- on of his public character^ The period of his administration will m future be looked upon as one of the most important era's in Ca- nadian history — but whether the events narrated, will be viewed with the smile of approval or the frown of disapprobation it is difficult to surmise, " The evil that men do lives ofterthero, — *• The good is oft interred with their bones," We follow not the quotation, but would rather say with the Poet. No further seek his merits to disclose, Or draw his fraihies from their dread abode, (There they ahke in trembling hope repose.) The bosom of his Father and bis God. 1' (From the Canada Inquirer.') There are events occasionally occurring in the world which for the moment so absorb and overawe the heart of man as to render him indifferent to every thing save the engrossing feeling which then engages him. The death of His Excellency Lord Sydenham, Governor General of British North America, is one of these events. The fever of political excitement, the bickerings of party, the hopes and fears, the joys and sorrows of a public subside into one subdu- ed and overpowering feeling of regret that a noble spirit had pas^ sed from amongst us, — that he who so lately ruled the destinies of our land, with honour to himself and advantage to the people, has been cut off in the zenith of his glory, and in a few short days been doomed to change the pomp and pride of state, the trappings and blandishments of earthly power, for the cold and lonely habi- tation of the grave. It is honourable to the memory of His Excel- lency that this regret is as universal as it is sincere, and it would be strange indeed if a man who has finished a career like his was not universally lamented, for even the blindest and most bigoted of his political opponents must admit that his life was alike distinguish- ed for the unimpeachable honour and sterling integrity of his char- LORD Sydenham's death. 69 ecter, as it was adorned by the commanding talents and unwoaried energy which he possessed ; and that the great efforis of his life were expended in securing the happiness and prosperity of his fel- low men. Canada, which formed the scene of his last and noblest exertions, and has been the means of securing him his greatest and most signal honours, has been destined to receive his last mortal remains, to witness the climax and decline of a life, which has ad- ded vigor to her institutions, and placed her Government on a ba- sis best constituted to secure her rights and happiness. Equal justice to all was the motto on which he started his administration in 1839, and on that principle it has been nobly conducted. Whether we regard the great measures of his policy, the Union of the Provinces, the principles of Responsibility to the people ho re- cognized, the Municipal Council Bill, or look to the minor details of his political course, we are struck with the firmness and energy of purpose — the perseverance — the toil and trouble it cost him — and although sometimes he deemed it necessary to conceal the ends of his policy that he might the better mature its execution — yet these ends were generally approved of when known, and spoke the wisdom and sagacity of the Statesmen who carried them into ope- ration. His views of the Government of Canada were founded on shrewd observation and deep reflection, and whoever his "successors may be, we are confident they cannot adopt a better chart for their guidance than may be gleaned from the course he has taken and the instructions he may have left. — A system of Government based upon less liberal views will never succeed in Canada. But wc can- not now digress into political discussion — our object is to pay]a pas- sing tribute to the memory of departed worth — yet how can we in a few short sentences record our opinions of a man whose life has been an ornament to the world — that life is now no more — peace to his ashes. Lord Sydenham has gone — and we are sure that his memory will live in grateful recollection so long as there are hearts to feel and heads to appreciate the goodness and greatness of his charactf.r — the wisdom of his public, and the kindness, urbanity and relinement of his private life. )f lS s s li- 1- Id as i h- r- (From the Woodstock Herald. J We promised in our extra of Wednesday to advert more fully to the subject of Lord Sydenham's lamented and untimely death ; and we now proceeed to fulfil that promise. We are not of those who fear that the prospects of Canada can now be buried in the grave of any one man however great ; but if Ihe measures of Lord Sydenham were, in general, such as held forth a reasonable prospect of future prosperity and greatness to this gigantic colony — and few, comparatively, despaired of their ultimate efficacy — there is deep reason to deplore the sudden remo- val of the master spirit that had triumphed over so many obstacles 70 NOTICES OF thrown in the way of their accomplishment by the fiercest party mah'gn'ty ; and had gathered assistance and support from among the most discordant materials. Though there is not the sh'ghtest probability of a change in the general policy of the provincial go- vernment — desired by one party and feared by another — still there is danger of failure to a certain extent from incapacity on the part of the successor of the original architect. There may be more of lister'ngto interested counsel, and there maybe also an injudicious intermedling with details at the outset, that may create alarm, from its being mistaken for a subversion of principle— to say no- thing of the obvious difficulty that one mind, however acute in its perceptions and comprehensive in its grasp, must natural!}' encoun- ter in carrying out the designs of another. But, after all, delay and temporary embarrassment will, we trust, be the worst conse- quence to be anticipated from the sudden death of Lord Sydenham ; for we feel as well assured that the new Ministry in England will not revert to the old folly of appointing an inexperienced man to this important trust, as we are that they will not send out one to undo what has already been done in the way of effecting a mighty change in the whole system of government in Canada. Lord Sy- denham's successor must be a statesman to be able to comprehend, and follow up the measures already in progress. No doubt many of them may require modification, but they must not be touched by the hand of an apprentice. Some of them are daring and ha- zardous experiments ; but to check them in their incipiency now would not only insure the evil which is dreaded from them, and which might be averted by skilful management, rate the advance, and aggravate the amount of, precated evil — revolution. It is not our purpose, however, to speculate on the probable suc- cess or failure of the measures of Lord Sydenham, farther than to acknowledge that the palpable good already produced by their par- tial developement, in our opinion, gives an earnest of their ultimate complete success, which we once dared not to expect. Our object now is to offer a brief, but sincere tribute to the memory of the distinguished nobleman now no more. And this we cannot better do than by a simple allusion to the all but miraculous change which lias come over the political spirit of Canada, since his arrival among us, and a passing glance at the mighty — we had almost said, mys- terious — influence which one intellect has so visibly exercised over the myriad-minded public in so short a time. Such is the change wrought within two years, chiefly by the agency of one man, that the country almost seems to be inhabited by a different race of people. Two years ago men regarded each other with suspicion, jealousy and hatred. Society was split up into factions, having ap- parently in view no object in common, but to annoy and crush each other. The general good was merged in the strife of party — one powerful faction clinging convulsively to the time-worn prejudices but would accele- that so much de- LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH. 71 out of »vhi(h its ascendancj' had grown, and with iho conservation of which liie maintenance of that ascendancy was fell to be identi- fied ; and another faction, strong in numbers, clamouring for some change in tho name of reform, and in that of equal privilege, grasp- ing at a transfer of exclusive supremacy. The spirit of compaci- ism was all-pervading ; for though the compact of each locality may each have had a different shibboleth^ it had a monopoly of power and patronage in its own locality. Here all but the natives of one country, or the professors of one creed, and there those not of another coufitry or creed, were, or considered themselves to be, the subjects of proscription, and consequently of oppression. It was, perhaps, this real or imaginary exclusion of certain classes from all chance of preferment to office, more than any other cause, out of which one rebellion had arisen in Upper Canada ; and, from the same cause, aggravated by conscious discomfiture on the one part, and unseemly triumph on the other, there were strong in- dications and gloomy forebodings of another, and a fiercer outbreak, when the late Governor Geiieral arrived with a message of hopp, and a promise of "equal justice" from the Queen. Simultaneously with the deliverance of that message and that promise, the fierce bowlings of party rage began to subside ; and for once the people of Canada were found forget ing "past differences," and rallying round the representative of their Sovereign, for the purpose of cheering him on in tho pursuit of the great and good purpose of his mission. Unanimhy succeeded discord, and hope took the place of despondency. It is true tlftit some of the ultras of the two ultra parties stood aloof, and a few still continue to stand sullenly by ; but the people v/ere no longer arrayed under party banners against each other. It is also true that a miserable outpost of each of the two conquered factions, composed of men unable to view the public good as a thing altogether independent of, and distinct from, the gratification of their paltry personal ambition, or the promotion of their exclusive personal interests, still maintains its original ground of opposition to the restoration of .harmony; but such mer are only holding themselves up to the contempt and deiision of the people. We come now to speak very briefly of the influenco which he who is now no more, exorcised over all who came within his reach, with one or two exceptions — Mr. Baldwin for instance, who he doubtless soon perceived, was not worth retaining, being nothing but a silly fool, elevated to notoriety by adventitious circumstances. The root- ed ultra toryism of a Draper and the no less ultra, and far sterling>^*«' radicalism of a Hincks [for brevity's sake we take thei^e as exam- ples] bowed at once before the mighty magician, and joined hand in hand, though in bitter opposition before, in assisting to carry out his policy. The intellectual wealth and the moral worth of tho land had only to approach him, and they were at once enlisted into his service. They who had shunned each other, as if each had considered the other tainted with leprosy, met together in his pre* 72 NOTICES OF m sence, and went away urm in arm, communing with one another on that mysterious influence which had brought them together and made them brothers. It is base minds only that can find no other than base motives for extraordinary conduct ; and on a dispassion- ate review of the wonderful drama that is just closed, we cannot help attributing the whole of its astonishing shiftings to the mastery of a superior intellect. If it was not so, the history of the world furnishes no such .accumulation of instances of gross dishonesty and servile sycophancy as is presented in that of the bygone Sessi- on of the Provmcial Parliament. But we do not believe that all this subserviency was a matter of bargain and sale — it was an in- voluntary homage to the resistless power of a great and energetic mind. The light of that high intellect has been suddenly withdrawn by the hand of death ; but its influence will long continue to be felt on the destinies of Canada. If the successor of Lord Sydenham shall follow in his footsteps, though at an humble distance, Canada may say in his own parting words when he heard that the Parlia- ment was prorogued, *' Then all is right." (From the Nova Scotian.) In taking up our pen, io fulfil our promise, by giving to the peo- ple of the Lower Provinces a view of Lord Sydenham's Canndian Policy, there are two reflections which make the task sufficiently painful — he has recently met with an accident, which to a person worn down with labour, as he was when he saw him last, may be a serious infliction, and he is about to retire from his Government. One cannot turn to the topics which must be embraced by such a review without feeling that his Lordship can scarcely afford the slightest further inroad upon a constitution already sufficiently del- icate, and that Canada can but ill spare the master mind which has grappled so vigorously with her difficulties, and reduced, in an in- comparably short space of time, the most chaotic materials to some- thing like cohesion and order. We are well aware, that in at- tempting to do justice to the Governor General's character and policy, we shall have to differ with many worthy persons in Cana- da, whose interest and feelings have been crossed in the onward march of his Government, but these will, we trust, do us the jus- tice to believe, that while we are prepared to defend the full exer- cise of strong executive power, in the extraordinary condition to which the Canadas were reduced, we have neither the information necessary, nor the wish, to vindicate every act of authority, or ev- ery measure of the Government— and that, while we approve in the broad outline the general bearing of Lord Sydenham's policy, no man in the Colonies more sincerely mourns over the deplorable events, the gro'Js blunders of rulers and people, which left no alter- native but vigorous measures, or the separation of these Colonies from the British Crown. To those who raise the cry that Lord LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH. 73 o 11 II le l;s d Sydenham has subsidized the Press, we would merely say, that ho acquired his influence over our's by means which reflect no discred- it upon his character nor upon our independence. By the exhi- bition, throughout our personal intercourse with him, of talent which we had ^rarely seenj possessed by Colonial Governors, he won our respect ; by a course of invariable frankness, courtesy and justice towards ourselves — and by his gallant bearing in midst of trials which might well have put the highest qualities of states- manship to the proof — that sentiment has been, perhaps, deepened into something like personal attachment — and while we feel con- scious that no power he possesses could compel us to do an act of political subserviency, we are happy to be able to prove that all ths iVialignity of his enemies cinnot prevent us from expressing, after the closest observation of his career, and while power is pas- sing Trom hands, our almost unqualified approval of his Canadian Administration. It is in the highest degree gratifying to us, who, since his visit to Nova Scotia, have expressed full confidence in his views, and done our best to strengthen his hands, to find that those who petitioned against, and denounced his appointment — and who both here and elsewhere, have never ceased to misrepresent his acts, and foretell his failure, liave been covered with mortification and disappointment, that almost every act of his Government has been crowned with success, and that the more important objects of his mission have been completely accomplished. In order to understand the value of the service which Lord Syd- enham has rendered to her Majesty and to British America, it ia necessary to recall for a moment the state of thmgs which his Lord- ship had to encounter. Did he succeed to political inheritance, so wisely husbanded, and so fairly established, that even bad manage- ment could scarcely lessen its value or disturb the security of the possession ! Did he take the helm of state, when the vessel was tight, and sound, with perfect instruments, a fair wind, a clear sky, and a crew well disciplined and well disposed ? Was not the estate wasted by years of bad management, until the tenants were at war with the landlord, or with each other, and even the title of the property was drawn into angry controversy ? Was not the ship tempest-tost, shattered, and almost unseavvorthy — with igno- rant va^Jcillation or eccentric severity on deck, and mutiny below — W without an instrument that could be relied upon, or a blue spot in • the heavens to admit of an observation ? The state of Canada, when Lord Sydenham assumed the Government, might well have appalled any man not desirous to wreck his reputation. A long course of mal-adminstration, or rather of administration, often well meant, but based upon no principle which the people could under- stand or respect, had prepared the way for open insurrection, and aroused foreign interference in both Provinces, to be followed by the suspension of the constitution, and the establishment of despo- tism in the one, and in the other by a state of things which perhaps K 74 NOTICES OF t, iJ ^ were a great denl worse, the forms of Civil Government being re- tained, but affording rather a shelter from which a fragment of the population might insult and annoy the remainder, than any real protection to the people. Lord Durham's mission, although of im- mense value, because it laid bare the real causes which convulsed Canada, and shadowed forth the remedies — had been so brief, so dis- astrous, so unproductive of practical reimlts within the country it- self, that, however invaluable that volume in which the experience and principle of His Lordship and his cble co-adjutors was embo- died, might have been — and no man estimates the report more highly than we do — still, until reduced to practice, it was but a book — a theory, the value of which the enemies of Colonial free- dom might altogether deny, and what its fondest admirers might well be excused for doubting, until experience had demonstrated the applicability of the new principles to the exigencies of Colonial Society. The task of consummating the Union which Lord Dur- ham had pronounced to be indispensable — of grappling with those evils which he had fully exposed — and of applying the principles of Representative Government, indicated in his Report, devolved then upon Lord Sydenham, and it is rare that a Statesman so firm, so sagacious and indefatigable, follows in the wake of a projector so bold. He left the shores of England under no very favourable auspices — the Timber Merchants of London had denounced him, and the cue was taken up by their dependants and correspondents in the Colonies — the Tories viewed him with suspicion, and the Liberals who had embraced Lord Durham's theory, feared that he would be less liberal, and might not carry it out. When he arri- ved in Canada, the country was boiling with strong passions. The murders of Weir and Chartrand — the burnings of St. Charles and St. Eustache — the Courts Martial and Military executions — the bor- der invasions, and incendiarism, with the marches of troops and the raid^s of Glengaries, were all so fresh in the minds of a popu- lation who had recently passed through scenes so deplorably exci- ting, that there might be said to be a few families which had not cause of mourning for some injury done, or loss sustained, or in whose circle some strong, personal antipathy or political predilec- tion did not almost overpower respect for the law, and smother the better feelings of our nature. In both Provinces, the mass of the population were denounced as disloyal — and while one of the parties who had invoked the bayonet, held it to be the only safe instru- ment of Government, the other sullenly and sulkily kept aloof, lending no cordial support to legitimate authority, as though bid- ding its time to excite fresh trouble, and produce additional embar- rassment. Property was depreciated — business unsafe — and the tide of emigration setting from, instead of to, the Provinces. We think that no man will deny that this is a faithful picture of the state of Canada when Lord Sydenham landed at Quebec. That the country presents a very different aspect now we believe to be equal- > LORD SYDENHAM S DEATH. 75 ) .t a e r, H- r- le re .te \G il- ly undeniable, and although there is a vast deal yet ( o t)e done, we can scarcely — contrasting Canada as it was ten years ago, and as it is — believe that in so short a time so much has been accomplished. Lord Sydenham's first care was to endeavour to calm the excited feelings of all parties — to satisfy the disloyal that it was in vain to attempt to uproot the Queen's authority, and to assure those who had loyalty in excess, that that authority was quite sufficient for their protection. This done, his next task, and a difficult one, was to call around him a Special Council, and frame a body of Ordi- nances to meet the present necessities of the Lower Province, in which there had been a total lapse of legislation, and where mar- tial law had for years taken the place of the ordinary law of the land. He had then to meet the assembled Legislature of the Up- per Province, and here one of his chief difficulties arose, from the strong conviction that must have forced itss.lf upon him, and which the sequel proved, that the House — although to dissolve it woi'ld have been hazardous, did not truly represent the people. His po- sition in the Upper Province, for a long time, called for the exer- cise of the utmost prudence and circumspection. The Reformers distrusted him because he denounced responsible government by that name, and the Tories began to susppct that his mode of ad- ministering Representative Government, was wide as the poles as- sunder from that which had obtained under the reign of the Com- pacts. In spite of all the obstacles which beset him, he succeeded in carrying the Union Bill, and several other important measures through both branches of the Legislature in the Upper Province, and through the Special Council. These measures passed, an anxious period succeeded, in which they were to be reviewed by both Houses of Parliament. No man who knew what that ordeal was — who felt how deeply the peace of Canada, and his own reputation were committed — and who had Lord Durham's recent experience of the inconsiderate violence of English party warfare before him, could have slept on a bed of roses, from the time that the Union Bill and Ordinances crossed the Atlantic, until they returned, sanctioned by the highest autho- rity in the realm. A part of this interval was spent by Lord Sy- denham, in visiting Nova Scotia, and conducting the investigation into her affairs, which led to the entire change of that disastrous policy, and the repudiation of those principles, which had for years embroiled the people with their government, and brought at last the Legislature and the Executive into open and violent collision. The Union Bill having been sanctioned, then came the period of its proclamation — of the arrangement of the Elcctorial districts— and of the return of the members of the first Parliament. This was a season of much labour, and of intense anxiet}', drawing upon the Governor General's firmness, sagacity and knowledge of the coun- try, almost every hour. VVhethor the charge of direct interference in Elections be wcli founded or not, and it nppcfir? to rest upon 76 NOTICES OF i Ft' ■ I' 9-^ !^ (I slight evidence, one thing is very clear — that a person sitnated as his Lordship was, who could be indifierent to the course of the filec- tions, and who did not take every proper precaution to secure a working majority, disposed to support him, and give the Union Bill a trial, must have been lamentably deficient in common scnso and practical statesmanship. There was, in fact, no alternative but to secure his majority, or throw aside all that had been done, and go back to the old evils, to be followed by fresh outbreaks, and a fur- ther resort to the bayonet. We are far from approving of any open violence in tho conduct of the Elections, but we do think that it would have been most unwise for the Governor General, having the power in his hands to change and alter the electorial divisions, to leave the franchise so di? -ibuted, as to render certain, or even at all probable, the return of a body of men who would have voted the Union Act a nullity — repealed his ordinances, and perhaps com- menced anew that course of obstructive policy, which had ended in open insurrection and the establishment of arbitrary power. {From the Novascotian.) It becomes our melancholy duty to turn from tracing the benefi- cial effects of Lord Sydenham's Administration, to record the par- ticulars of hie death and burial. A great man has ^r>^ down into the tomb, and we must be occupied for a time with li obsequies, reserving for some more flitting opportunity, the less painful task of discussing his measures ard explaining his policy. The news of Lord Sydenham's death did not much surprise ns. It seemed to us from the first, almost a necessary result of an accident so severe operating upon a frame so delicate. We were disposed to hope almost against hope — for we could not bear the thought that a man so young, with a mind so active, was to pass so suddenly from the elevated sphere to which he had attained — that all his information and experience was to be lost to the legislative body in which he was soon to have taken his seat, and to the Governments, which, no matter what their politics, it would have been freely imparted. Our fears rather than our hopes were to be realized. Lord Syden- ham is no more, but it is satisfactory to find, now that there is no- thing to be gained or lost by the free expression of opinion, that almost every Canadian paper speaks of his Lordship in terms even more respectful and complimentary than those we employed last week. It must be highly gratifying to the great body of the people of Nova Scotia, who have nobly seconded Lord Sydenham, in his ef- forts to regenerate their country, to fir.d how universal the testi- mony is to his worth, and how many there now are compelled to praise, who did not so early appreciate his character, nor so cordi- ally assist him. \ pl^^^^^^ LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH. 77 I (From the New Brnnstaick Sentinel.) Tho Canada papers ruceivotl on Wednesday, put us in po.sses='ion of the melancholy tidings of tho death of Lord Sydenham, Gover- nor General of these Jf*r()vinco.s, who expired on Sunday morning the 19th inst. the day following tho prorogation of tho Lc gislaturc. The intelligence of this event wr.s not altngothcr untxixcied, as the constitutional tendency to gout of His Lordship, and his previ- ous state of health, induced nii;di\'cr.s of all parti(^s : from whish will be perceived the high ostiuialion in which !ii.s Lor-J- ship was held, and the great loss tlio empire will sustain by llie death of so distinguished a statesman ; oi.o who had made himself intimately acquainted with the silurdion of Colonial afliiirs, and tho course of policy which should be pursued, for the purposes of good government. Sounet ou tlie Ijatc I^ord Sycl«ialiaiii. BY THE EDITOR OF TIVl. WOODSTOCK IirTiALD. We saw him in the counting-house with men Of eagar trade — a plodding youth — and then, We looked among the senatorial band, And found him there — the sages of the land Were gathering round the low-toned speech to scan. Of a thin-voiced and melancholy man. It was the merchant-statesman — honours came Flocking upon him, and begirt his name — Kings sought his counsel — Queens were fain lo ask His aid ; and bound him to a mighty task — To found a state — in which the wise had failed. He came, he saw, like Caesar, and prevailed — Built the strong pillars of a glorious empire — gave His name to history, and won — an early grave ! r.XAMINKIv OKIIO; — Ki;i,MVM>S, rniMF.it. \