March 14, 1868
Commons Meeting
The second attempt at a meeting of the Commons was only more successful than the first. The Speaker took the chair at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon and the Ministry gave notice of its intention to introduce several pieces of legislation next week:
The Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, gave notice that on the 17th next, the Government would introduce legislation respecting the Her Majesty’s treaty with the United States for the apprehension of offenders, plus legislation respecting penitentiaries, controverted elections, and the continuance of Parliament in the event of the death of the Crown.
Hon. John Rose (Finance) gave notice that he will introduce legislation respecting currency, geological surveys, the establishment of a consolidated revenue fund, insurance companies, the civil service, and to allow banks to use Dominion notes rather than issuing their own.
Hon. Georges-Étienne Cartier gave notice of a Bill respecting railways.
Following the notices of introduction, John A moved adjournment of the House owing, he said, to the “hoarseness” of Luther Holton (Liberal, Chateauguay). The government, John A. Said, did not wish to take advantage of Mr. Holton if he was unable to participate in the debate.
Before adjourning, the prime minister said, in response to a question from Alexander Mackenzie (Liberal, Lambton), that the government position with respect to the number of government departments would be answered when legislation relating to the organization of the departments was introduced.
Benson Appointed to Senate
James Benson (Liberal-Conservative, Lincoln) has been appointed to the Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Hon. Fergusson Blair. Mr. Benson’s appointment has met with nods, as the Hamilton Evening Times explains, because Mr. Benson had previously been appointed to the Legislative Council but had never taken his seat owing to the change in the Constitution. Benson was subsequently left off the list of lifetime appointments to the Senate made by Her Majesty at the time of Confederation.eeee
Impeachment Trial in Washington
The impeachment Court in Washington reassembled yesterday and refused President Andrew Jackson’s request for forty days of preparation. They have instead granted him ten. The impeachment trial will begin on March 23, 1868.
The Welland County Jail
The first occupant of the County Jail in Welland is the editor fo the Welland Telegraph, imprisoned for twenty-four hours last week for refusing to testify in court. The editor retaliated by suing the Magistrate for redress and publishing an account of cell No. 1 and stating that all one needs to break out of the jail is “a small pair of editorial scissors” and “a good deal of patience”.