The petitions presented to the French Chamber bear the stamp
of the times. They furnish a new proof of the universal thirst for the gratification of material interests. Petitions no longer deal with poli- ties! rights, religious differences or abuses of power, the fruitful themes of Saturday decla nations in the Chambers under the Restoration. Taxes, tariffs, free trade, the protecting system, banks, joint stock companies, railroads, and canals, are the objects the country now feels most Interested about, and are consequently the subjects of all the pe- titions addressed to the Legislature. After the grievances of the in- habitants of the sea-coast, come those of the manufacturing districts ; each class endeavouring respectively to interest the Chambers in its own favour. It would require a greater amount of wisdom than a Par- liamentary majority is usually gifted with, to discern among those grievances what is legitimate from that which is exaggerated.—Courrier
Pascals.
his generally supposed that Papineau, the late Speaker of the Pro- *cal Parliament of Lower Canada' perished in the woods shortly after the outbreak of the rebellion. More than four months have now elapsed, and we believe no authentic accounts have been received of any one having seen him since that time. If be were in the United States, it is not likely that he would have concealed his opinion of the insurrection.—Globe. [Among the last accounts from Canada, is a statement that Papineau had written a letter from his place of conceal- ment, asking permission to return to Quebec, and for an indemnity—of course on certain conditions, though none are mentioned.]
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