March 13, 1868

Parliament Adjourns

Despite the date of Parliament’s return having been fixed in December, fewer than one-third of MPs were in the Commons yesterday ready to resume their duties. As a result of the thinness of the benches on all sides of the Commons, the Commons adjourned after just 15 minutes without transacting any business being receiving reports and the seating of Jean Langlois, elected in the Montmorency by-election following Hon. Joseph Cauchon’s appointment to the Senate. Members will reassemble today for a second attempt thought it is reported that several members from New Brunswick only departed their province yesterday on an Ottawa-bound steamer.

The Senate, meanwhile, has adjourned until March 16 to mark the passing of the late Hon. Mr. Fergusson Blair.

Restigouche By-Election

There was good news for the Dominion in New Brunswick as the pro-Confederation forces held on to the Restigouche riding following the appointment of John McMillan (Liberal) as Inspector of Post Offices in that province.

William Murray Caldwell (Liberal) was elected with 353 votes to Mr. Moffatt’s (Anti-Confederate) 306.

News from the Colonies

A meeting of citizens in Cariboo, British Columbia, unanimously passed resolutions in favour of joining the Canadian Dominion.

The Prince Edward Island legislature opened on March 4 with no mention of Confederation made in the Governor’s speech.