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.