The French Canadians have redeemed their character. Their late Premier,
M. Mercier, had many claims on them as an Ultramontane Catholic, a devotee of French nationality, and a strong advocate of State rights ; but the electors be- lieved him to be corrupt, and at the election held this week they crushed him. Out of seventy-two seats in the House of Assembly, M. Mercier has secured only seventeen, leaving the- Conservative Government with a majority of thirty-eight, and with all its Ministers "triumphantly" returned. It is evident from the majorities that the Catholic clergy refused to support a Minister who could not clear himself of such charges, and, indeed, it is reported that only three priests voted for him. The new Government intends to prosecute M. Mercier, and all members of his Cabinet implicated in recent transactions ; and though some fanatics of the party threaten secession, that is an empty menace. The Province as an American State- could not remain either Catholic or French.
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