December 12, 1867

NEWSPAPER TAX

The Postal Bill has passed the Senate and is being walked down the hall to the Commons for approval by that chamber.

The Bill contains a controversial “newspaper tax” that would see postage due on newspapers sent to subscribers through the mails.

The measure, which faced opposition in the Senate but was kept in as Postmaster General Hon. Alexander Campbell refused to allow the Bill to be referred back to committee for amendment, will the government collect an additional $130,000 per year.

The newspapers are up in arms, protesting that the tax is but a recent invention from the former Province of Canada and entirely unknown in the Maritimes.

The Ottawa Times, in an open letter to members of Parliament, warns that if the newspaper tax remains the citizens of the Maritimes will remember this as the first act of Confederation — the imposition of a new tax by the central government to the tune of $40,000 from those two provinces alone.

The Times writes that matters covered by the press are public subjects about which there is a public interest.

In free government— a government in harmony with public opinion—the Press is, in reality, one of the most effective agencies of the Government. It is the Press mainly which brings home to the subject the required knowledge of the law; and of the reasons for changes or alterations in the law; it is the Press which prepares the public mind for a ready obedience to new and untried laws; which supplies in our times the moral sanction, without which our laws could only depend on brute force for their execution.

By maintaining this tax, the Times suggests, the members of the Government harm their own self-interest by throttling the free dissemination of newspapers.

EXECUTION OF ETHAN ALLAN

Ethan Allan, convicted of murder, was executed yesterday shortly after 11 o’clock in the morning. According to the report in the Globe, the weather was cold and clear and some fifteen hundred people witnessed Allan’s death. The Globe writes of the scene:

(Allan) walked to the gallows with a firm step, and refused to have the black cap drawn over his head. The drop which was about five feet broke his neck, and he died, as he had often previously asserted he would, with a smile on his face.

December 11, 1867

NON-CONFIDENCE MOTION

The government of Sir John A. Macdonald faced down a divided opposition yesterday after Hon. Antoine Dorion (Liberal, Hochelaga) moved an amendment to the Supply motion that, while granting supply, criticized the government for failing to produce a Statement of the Estimates for the supply being requested. The motion read:

That this House, while cheerfully granting the supplies required for the public service, regrets that there should have been a departure from the long established and wise constitutional practice of basing appropriations of public money for the ordinary public service of the year upon detailed statements submitted by the Crown, and it cannot but regard with profound disapprobation a proceeding which tends to subvert the surest safeguard of the rights and liberties of the public, namely, the complete control over the expenditure by the representatives of the people.

Hon. Sir George-Étienne Cartier (Militia), on behalf of the government, declared that the motion could be seen as nothing short of want-of-confidence and would treat it as such.

Through the debate it appeared there would be little support for the motion and there appeared a willingness on the part of the government to allow it to be withdrawn. They did not, Cartier said, take issue with members expressing their unhappiness with the government but that a motion such as this was gravely irresponsible considering the importance of having supply granted at this point.

It was only after Luther Holton (Liberal, Châteauguay) said that the Minister of Militia had admitted that the government was behaving unconstitutionally that the die was cast. The minister had admitted no such thing, the prime minister said, and the accusation could not be left to stand — a vote must be had.

The amendment was defeated on a division with just 21 members supporting it and 115 voting against it.

GALT STILL LURKS

Though no longer a member of the government, former finance minister Hon. Alexander Galt (Liberal-Conservative, Sherbrooke) still casts a long shadow as his successor Hon. John Rose learned yesterday.

Galt rose to question figures relating to the floating debt presented by Rose in his financial statement made two days ago, pointing out that the debt of the Dominion was in fact $1,000,000 lower than reported.

Rose said the figures contained in the report had been provided to him by departmental officials.

Hon. Luther Holton (Liberal, Châteauguay) joined the fray saying he was gratified to learn that the country was richer than it was yesterday but hoped that we would not learn tomorrow of another error that would deprive the Dominion of the new found wealth.

The prime minister could not redirect the attention of the House away from this fast enough.

TARIFFF BILL

Hon. Samuel Tilley (Inland Revenue) has introduced _An Act imposing Duties of Customs, with the Tariff of Duties Payable Under It_. According to the Minister, the substance of the Bill is that which was in force in the Province of Canada and includes amendments to enact the same in the Maritime Provinces.

OFFICIAL REPORTING OF DEBATES

The members have voted 86 to 72 to ask the Printing Committee to produce a formal report and recommendation on the production of an official report of the proceedings of Parliament.

The vote reveals a deep division within the Chamber between those who believe an official record is important for those who attend to the business of Parliament and who wish that the reports not be left to the partisan journalists who will favour some members while seeking to damage others.

The contrary side worries that an official report will result in longer speeches and attempts to hang political opponents with their own words.
The motion to ask the committee for a formal recommendation was a compromise put forward by the prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald who said the government would leave the matter in the hands of the members and the division should be considered a test on whether the House agreed in principle on having an official record.

December 10, 1867

MARRIAGE LAW

The prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, told the Commons yesterday that his government has no intention of introducing any legislation nor resolution that would allow or encourage the severing of marriage bonds.

COMMONS SITTINGS

For the remainder of the session, each calendar day on which the Commons meets will consist of two distinct sessional days, one that lasts from 3 to 6 o’clock and the other that lasts from half past seven o’clock until the House adjourns.

This is owing to a motion moved by Prime Minister Macdonald which would allow legislation to be passed by the Commons in half the time it would otherwise take.

The effect of the motion is to suspend Rule 43 of the House of Commons which requires that “Every Bill shall receive three several readings, on different days, previously to being passed.” The rule does allow for legislation to be passed through two or more stages in one day in “urgent or extraordinary occasions” such as might be decided by the House through the use of unanimous consent. The motion instead takes the “extraordinary” and makes it routine for the remainder of the session.

Luther Holton (Liberal, Châteauguay) opposed the motion calling it “utterly without precedent in English Parliamentary history” and an “infringement of his freedom” as an independent member of Parliament “by the destruction of old parliamentary practice.”

The House, Holton had said, had met for weeks, adjourning daily at 6 o’clock or earlier, with little or no legislation presented by the Government. Now, he said, there is “an accumulation of business” that the Government wishes to rush through, including, it is perhaps no coincidence, the approval the expenditure of millions through the upcoming supply motion.

He could not, Holton said, but protest against this debasement of Parliament.

Dr. Thomas Parker (Liberal, Centre Wellington) echoed Mr. Holton’s comments, saying the measure brings with it “evil consequences” such as the inability to properly review legislation before its passage. The Government had no right, he said, to bring the House together before its legislative program was ready to be introduced and debated. He called on MPs to vote down the motion and “teach the Government to be ready with their measures when they met.”

Hon. Joseph Howe (Anti-Confederate, Hants) supported the motion saying that unless the Nova Scotia members were able to leave the capital by Wednesday, they would be forced to remain in Ottawa until after Christmas. They would be happy to, he said, if the Government attempted anything nefarious but he did not believe that they would and therefore was recommending support for the motion.

In reply, the prime minister said it was not his desire nor that of the Government to infringe upon the freedom of members of the House. Such motions, he said, were fairly common towards the end of a session, so much so, that even the government that Mr. Holton had once been a part of had established this motion as a precedent in Canada.

The Government was happy to follow the will of the members, Macdonald said. He believed they desired an early close of the session but, if they wished to sit longer, the Government was happy to sit for as long as the members desired.

The motion was adopted on a voice vote.

December 9, 1867

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Hon. John Rose (Finance) delivered his financial statement in the House of Commons during a special sitting on Saturday, December 7. The basic statement of accounts is as follows:

YEAR-ENDING JUNE 30 1866

TOTAL INCOME
$12,672,880
Debentures
$800
ACTUAL INCOME
$12,672,480
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$12,418,105
Payments on debt
$335,979
ACTUAL EXPENDITURES
$12,082,126
SURPLUS
$590,354

YEAR-ENDING JUNE 30 1867

TOTAL INCOME
$16,400,139
Debentures
$3,986,900
ACTUAL INCOME
$12,412,239
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
$14,729,090
Payments on debt
$1,813,117
ACTUAL EXPENDITURES
$12,915,973
DEFICIT
$503,733

The Minister said that more than $2,000,000 of the expenditures for the previous year were of an exceptional nature, such as those for the Militia and Public Works, and were unlikely to occur again, leaving the Dominion’s finances in better shape than a strict reading of the balance sheet would indicate.

There are, however, new obligations the Dominion has taken on since Confederation as part of the terms of the Union Act. These include:

• $76,500,000 in debt accumulated by various provinces plus the interest payments on these debts
• to the provinces, $0.80 per head for those residing in each province as of July 1
• Lump sum payments of $80,000 to Ontario, $70,000 to Québec, $60,000 to Nova Scotia, and $103,000 to New Brunswick
• the salaries of all Dominion officers in the various provinces

Taking these into account, Hon. Mr. Rose reported that for the period from July 1 to November 30, 1867, expenditures for the Dominion were $7,427,615 and expenditures were $5,323,085, producing an apparent surplus of $2,104,530.

Despite this, Hon. Mr. Rose admitted that at the close of the fiscal year there would possibly be some deficit that would be met by increasing the debt.

CABINET PROCEEDINGS

The cabinet has reviewed three more clemency pleas from criminals who have been sentenced to death.

• Joseph Ackeridge, convicted of rape and sentenced to hang on December 27, 1867, has had his sentence respited until January 30, 1868, in order to allow for allegations of “certain matters” to be investigated by the Crown Attorney and reported back to the cabinet (1867-0159).
• George Johnson, convicted of the murder of a man named Paul, and sentenced to hang on December 24, 1867, has had his sentence converted to life imprisonment (1867-0167).
• Richard Currie, convicted of the murder of his wife, Isabella Currie, and sentenced to hang on December 30, 1867, has had his sentence converted to life imprisonment (1867-0168).

Meanwhile, the Kingston papers have said that some 1,500 people have signed a petition seeking clemency for the murderer Ethan Allan whose appeal was rejected by the cabinet and is scheduled to be executed on December 11. The Daily News of Kingston reports the prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald as stating that the Government was unable to interfere with Allan’s death sentence. The paper writes

There seems to be no possibility of the public being spared the awful spectacle of a fellow-being suddenly launched into eternity by the hands of the executioner on Wednesday next, the 11th inst.

RICHARDS ELECTED IN NIAGARA

Despite stories, some reported here, about the difficulty Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands) was facing in his attempt to enter the Ontario Legislature through a by-election in Niagara, his opponent, Captain Geale, has retired from the race.

On the first day of voting just two electors turned out for Geale compared to 229 for Richards.

The entire Patent Combination will now be able to take seats within the Ontario legislature when it meets for the first time on December 27.

December 7, 1867

ONTARIO CABINET MEETING IN OTTAWA?

Three members of the Ontario cabinet are also members of the House of Commons: the premier and attorney general, Hon. Sandfield Macdonald (Cornwall), the treasurer, Hon. E. B. Wood (South Brant), and the commissioner of agriculture and public works, Hon. John Carling (London).

The other two members of the Cabinet, Hon. Matthew C. Cameron (Provincial Secretary) and Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands) are without seats in the Commons (and Richards is also currently without a seat in the provincial legislature).

The Globe, perhaps seeking to sow new divisions where the old ones in Sandfield’s “Patent Combination” have failed to develop, is suggesting that since the three that hold Commons seats constitute a quorum they may be undertaking the business of the local government in Ontario, at least informally, without the input of their more “provincial” colleagues.

MEMBERS’ INDEMNITY BILL

The Members’ Indemnity Bill, having cleared the Commons, has now also cleared the Senate and been returned to the Commons.

The lone voice raised against the Bill was that of Senator Robert Wilmot of New Brunswick who complained that the travel allowance of ten cents per mile would be insufficient as his own expenses demonstrated. Senator Adam Blair of Québec said discussing the matter was useless since the Senate could not amend the provision; its only options were to accept or reject the bill in its entirety. Senator John Robertson of New Brunswick suggested this might not be correct but the matter was left to lie and the bill received third reading. It will now go to His Excellency the Governor-General for Royal Assent.

PARLIAMENTARY JOURNALISTS

The first forty-five minutes of yesterday’s meeting of the House of Commons was held with closed doors. It is understood that the members were discussing the admission of strangers to the parliamentary reading room and refreshment rooms.

The strangers, in particular, are journalists, the presence of which in areas outside the chamber has upset some of the members.

The parliamentary journalists, for their part, have argued that it is unfair to bar the journalists from these rooms which afford space for them to work that is otherwise not on offer (at least until the library is completed) when other strangers with even weaker claims on the parliamentary precinct are seen lounging about the reading and refreshment rooms.

At the conclusion of the discussion the banishment that had been in place was lifted.

COAL DUTY

Dr. Charles Tupper (Liberal-Conservative, Cumberland) presented a petition on behalf of the managers of Nova Scotia coal mines seeking the imposition of a duty on American coal that is equal to that imposed on Canadian coal entering the United States.

December 6, 1867

NIAGARA BY-ELECTION

The nomination was held yesterday for the by-election for the Niagara seat in the Ontario Legislature. Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands) will face an opponent in the person Captain Geale.

NOVA SCOTIA ELECTIONS

The by-elections for the members sworn into the Cabinet following the Nova Scotia provincial election are being held this month.

Hon. Martin J. Wilkins (Attorney General) and Hon. Robert Robertson (Mines) were re-elected without opposition in Pictou and Shelburne, respectively.

Hon. William Vail (Provincial Secretary) is being opposed in Digby by John Wade who served as Speaker of the late House of Assembly.

Following his election, Mr. Wilkins gave a speech calling for the introduction of resolutions into the Nova Scotia legislature declaring Confederation, as it affects that province, unconstitutional and void, and the submission of those resolutions to the Imperial Government, in order to secure the province’s release from the Union.

Wilkins also suggested that some form of direct taxation would soon be required in order to make up the financial deficit on the government books. An income tax is his preferred method of improving the financial situation in the province.

RED RIVER RESOLUTIONS

Debate continued yesterday on the resolutions regarding the incorporation of the Northwest Territories into the Dominion.

December 5, 1867

FINANCE MINISTER’S BUSINESS DEALINGS

Following his re-election in Huntingdon, Hon. John Rose (Finance) addressed concerns about his business dealings.

Rose said that he resigned his directorship with the Bank of Montreal prior to his swearing in as finance minister. He denied any association with the Hudson Bay Company save for having offered legal advice to some who happened to be connected with the company. As for the Grand Trunk Railway, Rose said he has not held any position with the company in ten years and does not own any stock in the company. Rose said, “if that Company dared to exercise any political influence in the House, I will endeavour to repress it.”

Despite his statement, the Liberal press in the form of the Globe denies Mr. Rose’s claims of independence, writing that the explanations “do nothing to allay the fears of those who dread to see the Finances of the Dominion under the control of a public man who, through his career, has been remarkable for being always on the side of the great monopolies. He is now in a position to do a great deal of mischief.”

HOUSE TO MEET ON SATURDAY

Hon. Mr. Rose has asked for a special meeting of Parliament on Saturday, December 7, at which he will deliver his financial statement.

The statement, which he had intended to deliver yesterday, needed to be delayed in order to allow time for the printing of the various statements of income and expenditure for the members. Those statements will be printed and distributed on Friday night, certainly no later than Saturday morning.

Mr. Rose will then deliver his statement at 2 o’clock which will also address the Governments’s measures relating to Custom duties and internal revenue.

CABINET COMMUTES DEATH SENTENCES

During its meeting yesterday, the cabinet considered the appeals of three criminals sentenced to hang later this month.

John Frederick Christian Benedek tried before Chief Justice Draper of Waterloo was convicted of rape and sentenced to be hanged on December 20, 1867. The sentence was converted to life imprisonment on the recommendation of Sir John A. Macdonald (Minister of Justice and Attorney General) (1867-0152).

The cabinet also commuted the death sentence of Jonathon George. George was tried and convicted of rape before Justice Morrison in Essex. He was sentenced to hang on December 24 but the sentence was converted to life imprisonment on the recommendation of Sir John A. Macdonald (Minister of Justice and Attorney General) (1867-0153).

Ethan Allan was convicted of the murder of Cornelius Driscoll after a trial before Justice Hagarty in Frontenac. A petition for Royal Clemency was rejected and Allan will hang on December 11 (1867-0156).

COMMONS PROCEEDINGS

The Commons yesterday debated a report of the Printing Committee, submitted by Alexander Mackenzie (Liberal, Sarnia), which proposed a scheme for the official reporting of the debates of the House of Commons. The scheme would allow members to correct errors in speeches and would see 2,000 daily copies printed and 500 bound copies at the end of each session, with translation of speeches into both English and French, at a maximum cost of $12,000 per session.

Some members expressed concern that the reporting of debates would encourage members to speak longer than absolutely necessary to which Joseph Dufresne (Conservative, Montcalm) said “the best possible safeguard against long speeches would be absolute verbatim reporting” which drew laughter from some honourable members.

Mr. Mackenzie said he would move a motion on the matter in the coming days.

RED RIVER RESOLUTIONS

Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) moved, and the House debated, the resolutions relating to incorporating the Northwest Territories into the Dominion. The mismanagement of the Territories by the Hudson Bay Company was seen as one of the arguments in favour of bringing the Territories into the Dominion, as posited by Hon. John Gray (Conservative, Saint John City and County), the beginning of which is reprinted as reported:

Mr. Gray said if any doubt had rested on any gentleman’s mind as to the propriety of passing these resolutions, he thought that doubt must have been removed by the speech of the member for Hants. That honourable gentleman had admitted the fertility and value of this territory. He had pointed out in the most powerful language that the Hudson’s Bay Company had sat as an incubus and curse on the country, and he had declared that England would not expend a farthing to maintain our rights.

If that was the case, could we in fairness leave our fellow countrymen in the Red River settlement and in the Saskatchewan Valley, to remain under the curse of Hudson Bay rule, without laws, without enjoyment of liberty, and not do what was in our power to extend to them the blessings we enjoyed ourselves?

The Hudson’s Bay Company found a defender in Macdonell Simpson (Conservative, Algoma). Simpson said the HBC had not neglected the Indians of the North West before going on to state that he had a familiarity from boyhood with the “Indians of the far West” whom he said were “quite incapable of receiving civilization.”

Readers will recall that Mr. Simpson’s election has been protested as having been secured only following the disenfranchisement of Indians in that district.

December 4, 1867

LOCAL MINISTERS IN THE HOUSE

The Committee on Privileges and Elections reported to the House that in its opinion, Hon. J. S. Sandfield (Attorney-General, Ontario) and Hon. Christopher Dunkin (Treasurer, Québec) were eligible for membership in the House of Commons.

The committee chairman did not move adoption of the report and when the prime minister was asked if he would the prime minister’s response was said to be “indelicate”.

COMMERCIAL BANK BILL

The bill introduced to allow the Commercial Bank to merge with other banks or wind up its operations received clause-by-clause consideration in Committee of the Whole yesterday. The bill was reported back to the House with amendments and is to receive third reading tomorrow. There was some concern about the speed with which the bill was making its way through the House but it is not expected to face any serious opposition at the final debate.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The prime minister gave notice to the House that Hon. John Rose (Finance) will deliver a statement to the House tomorrow regarding the financial business of the Dominion including an explanation relating to the tariff following which Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) will move the resolution regarding the Northwest Territory.

December 3, 1867

HALIFAX FISHERMEN STARVING

The poverty levels in West Halifax are the worst that have been seen in many years. Despite various reports of an improved fishing season, the fishermen at Ketch Harbour and Prospect are described by the Globe as being “utterly at a loss to live” with many said to be literally starving.

The public authorities are being called on to arrange meetings so that the wealthy citizens and prosperous farmers may come to the aid of the fishermen.

The news of the destitution among the fishermen in Halifax comes Hon. John Rose (Finance) admits in the Commons that the Government has not paid any fishing bounties since July 1.

In September, the Government doubled the cost of fishing licences for American vessels in Canadian waters from 50 cents per ton to $1 per ton with the expectation that the additional revenues would be used to extend the bounties paid to fishermen in Ontario and Québec to fishermen in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well.

In October, Hon. Peter Mitchell moved to extend those bounties with Order-in-Council 1867-0084 but the Cabinet has so far not acted on the report.

15 YEAR OLD DEAD FOLLOWING CHARVARI

15-year old Thomas Chamberlain has died after being shot in the leg a few nights ago while participating in a charivari in Guelph, Ontario. Following the wedding of a man named Foster, “the boys” had assembled outside his house on two or three consecutive nights for the charivari.

Joseph Foster, the father of the groom, treated the party but the group refused to disperse and it was then that a shot was fired from a window in the Foster house, hitting Chamberlain.

The Fosters fled the house immediately after. Foster Senior, who was on bail for sheep stealing, has been arrested. Foster Junior and his wife remain at large.

NIAGARA BY-ELECTION

Angus Morrison (Conservative, Niagara) has left Ottawa for his home riding in order to aid Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands) who is seeking entry to the Ontario Legislature through a by-election. Tories in the riding are said to be upset at having lost their local representative, Donald Robertson to resignation and are not placated by Richards’ decision to stand as a Conservative despite being a well-known Liberal.

It is hoped by those who wish to see Richards in the Legislature that Morrison’s intervention will soothe the tempers of the local Conservatives.

RED RIVER RESOLUTIONS DELAYED

Hon. William McDougall has postponed by one day the moving of the resolutions to allow for the incorporation of the Northwest into the Dominion.

December 2, 1867

QUEBEC CITY ELECTIONS

The nominations were held for the municipal elections in Québec City. One-half of the council has been re-elected by acclamation.

There will be only two election contests held. The first, will see incumbent mayor, Hon. Joseph Cauchon (Speaker of the Senate) facing challenger J. Lemeaurier.

The second is in St. John’s Ward, where Mr. Piché and Mr. Amiot are contesting the seat vacated by the retirement of the siting member Fra. Dussault.

The remainder of the council will consist of Dr. Roy, re-elected in Palace Ward, Abraham Hamel, re-elected in St. Lewis Ward, W. D. Campbell, re-elected in St. Peter’s Ward, Fra. McLaughlin, re-elected in Champlain Ward, A. G. Tourangeau, elected in St. Roch’s Ward, in place of F. Lavoie, and M. A. Hearn, elected in Jacques Cartier Ward in place of C. Langlois who has been appointed chief Vailiff in the Recorder’s Court.

November 30, 1867

MONTMORENCY

A writ has been issued and nominations are being held today for the riding of Montmorency, vacated when Hon. Joseph Cauchon (Speaker of the Senate) was elevated to the Senate. Jean Langlois and M. Lefrancois are the expected candidates.

Meanwhile, M. Cauchon’s friends in Québec City have signed a petition supporting his continuing to serve as mayor for another term. He will be opposed by John Lemessurie.

PETITION ON THE KAMOURASKA ELECTION

The petition submitted by Hon. J. C. Chapais (Agriculture), protesting the actions of the returning officer in Kamouraska and claiming the seat for himself has been accepted in the House of Commons following a ruling by Hon. James Cockburn (Speaker).

The petition had been submitted but was objected to by Liberal members who said that the petition was nonsensical in that it protested an election where no election occurred.

Mr. Chapais argued that the refusal of the Returning Officer to hold the poll despite the issuance of the writs prejudiced his ability as the only candidate who presented himself for nomination to claim be declared the duly elected member.

The Speaker, in issuing his ruling, referred to the case of the Borough of Kanresborough in 2, Pickwell’s Election cases, in which a riot occurred that prevented the nomination of candidates and the holding of elections. The petition in that case was received and the committee hearing the case reported that no election had been held and recommended the holding of a new election.

Hon. Mr. Cockburn ruled that given this precedent it was his ruling that the petition in this case should similarly be accepted.

The irony of the case being, of course, that Mr. Chapais claims he was denied the seat by the Returning Officer following a riot that was precipitated, according to the opponents of Mr. Chapais, by the Returning Officer’s attempts to hand the seat to Mr. Chapais.

ROSE RETURNED

Hon. John Rose (Finance) was re-elected in Huntingdon and has returned to the House of Commons.

RUPERT’S LAND

Two days from now the Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) will move the resolutions relating to the incorporation of Rupert’s Land into the Dominion of Canada and establishing the principle of extending the Dominion to the Pacific Ocean.

November 29, 1867

THE ILLNESS OF D’ARCY MCGEE

It was earlier reported that D’Arcy McGee (Liberal-Conservative, Montreal West) is absent from the House of Commons owing to a serious illness. The Hamilton Evening Times reports that Mr. McGee is suffering from an ulceration of the ankle and is refusing to take the stimulants recommended to him by those charged with his care. Mr. McGee’s refusal is slowing his recovery and no one believes he will be seen in the Commons before that body breaks for Christmas.

THE ELECTION OF HON. JOHN ROSE

The by-election for Huntingdon was held yesterday but we have not received word whether or not Hon. John Rose (Finance) has been re-elected.

The writ for a new election was issued when Mr. Rose resigned following his acceptance of a position in Her Majesty’s Privy Council.

THE SPEAKER’S BILL

The Speaker’s Bill, allowing for the designation of temporary Speakers of the House of Commons received third reading yesterday.

THE INDEPENDENCE OF PARLIAMENT

Following two days of debate, Edward Blake (Liberal, Durham West), withdrew his motion suggesting that Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Militia) did not have the right to sit in the House of Commons owing to his receiving a salary from the Crown with respect to his being the head of the Department of Militia.

In withdrawing the motion, Mr. Blake said that his intention in moving the motion was to ensure that when the new Parliament of Canada came to construct its own Independence of Parliament Act it would do so with the benefit of the objections raised by this debate.

Mr. Blake said he hoped that such a bill would protect against the possibility of allowing the “the Crown to fill the House with salaried officers, subservient to its will”.

There is no objection, Mr. Blake said, to the appointment of a set number of cabinet ministers as laid out in the constitution but that protection was necessary against the subsequent provision of salaries to additional members of the Commons, thereby securing those votes to the initiatives of the Crown.

The Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald has given his undertaking to the House that legislation will be forthcoming to regulate this issue.

THE “DUAL” MEMBERS

The debate on second reading of David Mills’ (Liberal, Bothwell) Bill to disqualify members from holding seats in both the Commons and provincial legislatures was held yesterday afternoon.

In leading off the debate, Mr. Mills said that the measure was necessary to preserve the independence of the provinces from the General Government.

Several members, including Brown Chamberlin (Conservative, Missisquoi), who is not a “dual” member, objected to the legislation on the grounds that members of parliament “had something better to do than to be tinkering at the constitution…. They came here to give the country some practical legislation.”

In joining the debate, Sir John A. Macdonald said “the constitution must be upheld until an evil is shown to exist; otherwise (we) would have philosophers and theorists continually making imaginary improvements upon the Constitution.”

Following a debate that lasted until nearly midnight, Mr. Mills withdrew the Bill in the face of opposition to it.

November 28, 1867

SENATE SPEAKER’S BALL

Hon. Joseph Cauchon, Speaker of the Senate, continues to court controversy with almost every step he takes. Yesterday, the Senate met yesterday at 3 o’clock in the afternoon met with closed doors for one and one-half hours.

When the doors re-opened at half-past four it was revealed that the issue that had kept the senators as occupied as anything else this month was the question of whether or not Mr. Speaker should be allowed to host his gala ball on the floor of the Senate chamber.

The Globe reports that the debate was a protracted one owing to the opposition of several senators. It was eventually decided on division of forty yeas and twenty-two nays that the Speaker could hold the ball in the Chamber.

The Speaker’s Ball was described by those in attendance as being “very fine indeed” with “handsomely dressed” ladies and excellent music provided by a military band.

The ball was attended by between 400 and 500 people thought some 1,400 invitations had been sent.

QUEBEC SHIPBUILDERS’ STRIKE

His Honour, Sir N.F. Belleau met with the shipbuilders yesterday in regard to the strike that has been ongoing for several weeks now. It is hoped that sending the matter to arbitration will alleviate winter suffering that might otherwise be experienced if the strike were to continue much longer.

November 27, 1867

NIAGARA BY-ELECTION

A writ of election has been issued for the Ontario constituency of Niagara following the resignation of Donald Robertson who has accepted an appointment as coroner.

Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands Commissioner), who is without seat in the Ontario Legislature following his defeat in South Leeds in September will contest the seat.

PROGRESS OF LEGISLATION

Yesterday, the House passed through the Second Reading stage The Interpretation Act and the Act respecting the Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons with no debate owing to the two Acts being routine in nature.

The Members’ Indemnity Act received third reading.

SUPPLY

The House will be resolved into the Committee of Supply in two days’ time to consider the granting of a Supply to Her Majesty.

In giving notice of motion, Sir John A. Macdonald said he hoped that Hon. John Rose (Finance) would be back in the House in time for that discussion.

November 26, 1867

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK PRESS MEETING

Representatives of the New Brunswick newspapers met in St. John on November 22. The meeting agreed on the importance of the press as a “prominent means of enlightening and educating the people” and that the imposition of taxes and postage rates on their business would be injurious and unwise.

GALT GRANTED LEAVE

On a motion of Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Militia), Hon. Alexander Galt (Conservative, Sherbrooke) has been granted 15 days leave of absence from the Commons. No reason for the absence of the former finance minister was given.

GRAND TRUNK RAILROAD BILL

The Act to Amend the Grand Trunk Arrangments Act of 1862 received second reading yesterday. The Bill, introduced by Walter Shanly (Conservative, South Grenville) will, if adopted, allow, among other things, the Grand Trunk Railway to raise £500,000 sterling in mortgage bonds, and extend for five more years, the period during which the Grand Trunk may purchase the Montreal and Champlain railways.

The legislation is opposed, or at least questioned, by several leading members of the House, including Hon. Joseph Howe (Anti-Confederate, Hants) and Alexander Mackenzie (Liberal, Sarnia) and appeared headed for defeat before Hon. Mr. Cartier argued that the Bill deserved at least to be referred to the Railroad Committee for examination there.

The Bill was passed on division.

IMMIGRATION QUESTION

Thomas McConkey (Liberal, North Simcoe) asked whether the government has contemplated any "extraordinary means...to encourage immigration from Great Britain and elsewhere."

Hon. Mr. Cartier plied that the Government favoured immigration but would is looking to the provincial governments for their cooperation on the matter.

November 23, 1867

ROSE TO DIVEST BANK OF MONTREAL INTERESTS

The new Minister of Finance, Hon. John Rose has departed Ottawa for Montreal with Edward King, general manager of the Bank of Montreal.

It is expected Mr. Rose will be dissolving his connections with that bank, of which he is a director.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Evening Times repeats concerns that Mr. Rose’s connections to the Grand Trunk Railway will negatively affect the independence demanded by his new position.

DEBATE ON MEMBERS’ INDEMNITY BILL

The House of Commons began debating its first piece of legislation today, that dealing with the sessional indemnities to be paid to members.

The House previously debated the amounts in Committee of the Whole, where they produced the legislation that they debated yesterday. The Bill was passed following a short debate. An attempt to amend the mileage provisions when the Bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole was defeated. The Bill will be debated for Third Reading on November 25.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

The Speaker ruled on a question of privilege raised by Hon. Pierre Chauveau (Conservative, Québec; Premier of Québec) and supported by Hon. Christopher Dunkin (Conservative, Brome; Treasurer of Québec) that all motions, save for the routine, shall be put to the House in both French and English.

November 22, 1867

BIBLIOTHECA CANADENSIS

Henry J. Morgan of Ottawa has published the Bibliotheca Canadensis, Or Manual of Canadian Literature.

In announcing its publication, the Ottawa Citizen writes that though it is in its infancy, Canadian Literature “glories in a sound constitution” and, like the its country, “commences its high career under the most favourable auspices” though there are many difficulties with which to contend.

Those difficulties are owning not to a lack of talent nor stories to tell, but rather they are material in nature. In this new country there does not exist the forms of patronage that existed in the old country whereby authors were rewarded for their talents. And, even if authors themselves could earn a living, “where is the publishing firm wealthy enough, or having spirit enough to give £3,000 sterling for one production of their muse.”

The Citizen remains confident, however, “the certainty of enduring fame will cheer (our men of genius) amid privations and disappointed hopes.”

INTRODUCTION OF PRIVATE BILLS

Among the private bills introduced yesterday, two dealt with the management of the affairs of the two recently failed banks, the Commercial and the Bank of Upper Canada.

The Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, introduced a Bill to allow for the amalgamation of the Commercial with any other bank or banks, or for the winding up of its affairs.

Thomas Street (Conservative, Welland) introduced a Bill to settle the affairs of the Bank of Upper Canada.

INTRODUCTION OF GOVERNMENT BILLS

The Government introduced a series of Bills today. Sir John A. Macdonald had the lead, reintroducing an emergency powers act that was in force in the Province of Canada with respect to the Fenian danger. That Act allowed for the apprehension and detention of persons suspected of committing or mediating acts of hostility against Her Majesty’s Government. In introducing the Bill, the prime minister said that the Fenian threat is not as great as it was last year though it is not so diminished as to be non-existent. The prime minister has promised ample time for members to debate the Bill and promised that the government will not push it through all three readings at once as was done with the original law.

The prime minister also introduced a Bill to allow for the Speaker to call another member to the Chair on a temporary basis when required.

Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) introduced An Act respecting the Public Works of the Dominion of Canada. The law is based on that which existed in the Province of Canada and allows for the extension of that law across the entire Dominion.

LOCAL MINISTERS IN THE COMMONS

The Commons has referred the question of provincial ministers sitting in the Commons to the Standing Committee of Privileges and Elections. The Committee is asked to enquire with John Sandfield Macdonald (Premier of Ontario) and Christopher Dunkin (Treasurer of Québec) have a right to sit in the House.

D’ARCY MCGEE ILL

Hon. Charles Tupper reported to the House yesterday that D’Arcy McGee (Liberal-Conservative, Montreal West) is suffering from a severe illness that may result in a prolonged absence from the House.

November 21, 1867

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Joseph Bellerose (Conservative, Laval), introduced a Bill respecting the rafting of timber on navigable rivers.

David Mills (Liberal, Bothwell) has introduced a Bill that would disqualify members of provincial legislatures from sitting or voting in the Senate or House of Commons.

LOCAL MINISTERS IN THE COMMONS

Along with the introduction of the Bill by Mr. Mills which would cover all members of provincial legislatures, Luther Holton (Liberal, Châteauguay) raised a question of privilege over the legitimacy of provincial cabinet ministers sitting in the Commons. The question, Holton said, was whether or not “placemen,” those holding Crown appointments, with the exception of members of the Government and officers in the army and navy, were precluded by the Independence of Parliament Act from sitting in the Commons.

Holton began his remarks with the caveat that he raised “the question in no spirit of dogmatism or captiousness, but as a simple and earnest enquirer” and that he hoped that it was in that spirit the question would be discussed.

Following a lengthy debate, Sir John A. Macdonald said Holton was right to raise the matter and suggested that the question be postponed until members had some time to consult the authorities.

HOUSE BUSINESS

Prior to the adjournment, Sir John A. Macdonald allowed that the Government hoped to pass the following pieces of legislation prior to the December adjournment:

• the Post-Office Act;
• the Intercolonial loan bill;
• the Tariff and Excise laws;
• the Customs Regulation Act;
• the Excise Regulation Act;
• the Habeas Corpus Act;
• the Supply Bill.

November 20, 1867

CONTESTED ELECTIONS

The following elections were contested by petitions presented in the Commons yesterday:

• François Godin (Liberal, Joliette)
• John Abbott (Conservative, Argenteuil)
• Pierre Gendron (Conservative, Bagot)
• Simon Cimon (Conservative, Charlevoix)
• Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Conservative, Montreal East)
• Moise Fortier (Liberal, Yamaska)
• Félix Geoffrion (Liberal, Verchères)
• Bartholomew Pouliot (Conservative, L’Islet)
• Hon. Antoine A. Dorion (Liberal, Hochelaga)
• Anselme Paquet (Liberal, Berthier)
• Pierre Huot (Liberal, Québec East)

In addition, Hon. Jean-Charles Chapais (Agriculture) has protested the handling of the election in Kamouraska and claimed the seat for himself.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS

On a motion by the prime minister, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays will be set aside for Government Business, after which other business may be considered. Mondays and Wednesdays are designated for the consideration of private members’ business, after which Government Business may be considered.

The prime minister has also indicated that the first session of Parliament will be divided into two parts. The first part, in which it is currently engaged, will continue until just before Christmas. The second part will commence in late January or early February.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Sir John A. Macdonald in his role as Attorney General introduced An Act respecting the Statutes of Canada.

Hon. Hector Langevin (Secretary of State for Canada) introduced a bill respecting the organization of his department.

PARLIAMENTARY INDEMNITIES

Following a lengthy debate, the members of Parliament have decided that they shall be issued an indemnity of six dollars per day to a maximum of $600 per session. Members will also be allowed a mileage allowance of ten cents per mile from the member’s place of residence to Ottawa as measured along the nearest mail route. These rates apply to senators as well.

The Speakers of the Senate and House of Commons will be paid an annual salary of $3,200 each.

November 19, 1867

JOHN ROSE NEW MINISTER OF FINANCE

Hon. John Rose (Lib-Con, Huntingdon) has been appointed Minister of Finance to replace the resigned Hon. Alexander Galt.

The announcement was made yesterday in the Commons as the Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald moved that a writ of election be issued for Huntingdon, the riding now vacant, owning to Mr. Rose’s acceptance of the position in the Cabinet.

In response to a question from Luther Holton (Lib, Châteauguay), the prime minister acknowledged that the position had first been offered to, and declined by, Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) who preferred to maintain his less onerous present appointment.

The prime minister confirmed that with the appointment of Mr. Rose, the monetary policy of the Government will remain as it was when established by Mr. Galt in July.

The position of Secretary of State for the Provinces, made vacant by the resignation of Hon. Adams Archibald following his defeat in the recent elections, will not be filled.

NOVA SCOTIA MLAS TO PROTEST CONFEDERATION

At a caucus of the newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, held on November 7, 1867, in the Assembly Room at the Provincial Building in Halifax, the members declared their “unanimous and unalterable determination to use every lawful and constitutional means to extricate the province from the operation of the British North American Act” and that they expect the new administration will begin communications with Her Majesty and the Imperial Parliament to bring that about.

The members also protested against the taking of seats in the Commons by those of their province elected to that body lest that action be seen as an acquiescence on the part of the province to their membership in the Dominion.

THE TELEGRAPH

News arrives by telegraph from Great Britain that the government there intends to take possession of the telegraph lines and incorporate them as part of the postal system.

In the Commons yesterday, Aquila Walsh (Conservative, North Norfolk) inquired of the Government whether such a policy would be pursued by the Dominion Government. In response, Sir John A. Macdonald said no decision would be made until the British policy was finalized.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Times publishes an opinion from the Trade Review that the rates charged for electric telegraphs and express transportation of goods are too high and therefore inhibiting the transaction of business in the Dominion. A reduction in rates “will enable the commercial public to enjoy the advantages of the telegraph and express much more than they now do” and that any reduction in rate will increase such participation that revenues will not be negatively affected.

“Without the telegraph,” they write, “the world would seem to have gone backwards half a century, and the trade of the country would be revolutionized on the backward track.”

COMMONS REPORT

The Commons met yesterday at three o’clock in the afternoon. Alfred Savary (Anti-Confederate, Digby) presented a petition seeking the removal from office of Hon. William Young, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, for illegal conduct and other misdemeanours.

Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) gave notice that the Public Accounts will be tabled today.

Dr. Thomas Parker (Lib, Centre Wellington) will move for the tabling of any correspondence between the Dominion Government and the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, it being suspected by the Liberals that the selection of Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald as premier of Ontario was made at the direction of the prime minister.

Louis Masson (Conservative, Terrebonne) will seek an answer of the Government as to whether it intends to assume the power to appoint magistrates in the Dominion.