POSTSCRIPT
SATURDAY NIGHT.
In the House of Commons last night, a Committee of Supply afforded . opportunity for some chat, rather than discussion, on a variety of Colo- mai topics. Before going into Committee, Mr. RUNE asked what kind of government there is in Canada ? Lord STANLEY replied, that Sir Charles Metcalfe desired to conduct the government on principles laid down by Lord Sydenham and sanctioned by the House of Assembly, --through the medium of persons of station in the colony : some of the ,offices of the Administration had been filled, hat not all. The House having gone into Committee, several Colonial votes were disposed of. In the course of the proceedings, Mr. VERNON SMITH put some ques- tions respecting emigration of Hill Coolies from India to the West In- dies. Lord STANLEY stated, that a despatch sanctioning the proposition had been received from the Governor-General of India, and that had been referred to some of the principal Indian merchants, whose opinion was awaited. An act of Parliament would not be needed to carry out the plan. Mr. HAWES objected to unlimited importation of labourers into the West Indies, for it was intended by that means to beat down wages to the lowest point ; and in fact, it would be used, like the whip of old, to extort the greatest quantity of labour possible at the least cost ; and therefore it would reestablish slavery in those islands. Mr. BERNAL indignantly repelled the imputation on the planters, denying that there was any intention to heat down wages ; and Mr. P. M. STEWART added his protest against Mr. Hawes's language. He asked if emigra- tion would be permitted from more points on the coast of Africa ; and if restrictions on Chinese immigration into the West Indies would be relaxed ? Lord STANLEY said, that no emigration from Africa mould be permitted, except at places within the British dominions. His an- swer on the other point was vague, only asserting the necessity of cer- 'tain restrictions as to contracts. Some discourse arose on the constitu- tion of the Colonial Land and Emigration Board ; which Mr. CHARLES BOLLER, Mr. VERNON SMITH, and others, desired to make a more in- 'dependent and efficient Board than a mere adjunct of the C,olonial ,Office: but nothing came of the conversation. It was followed up by objections, from Mr. RUNE Bud Mr. WILLIAMS, to the salaries of several British Ministers abroad, equally resultless.
The Bank Charter Rill was introduced by the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, and read a first time ; the day for the second reading set down for Friday next, but really to be fixed after the recess.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the .administration of the laws for the relief of the poor in Gilbert Unions. and to report to the House their opinion whether it is expedient that mach Unions should be dissolved. After some opposition from Captain .FECHELL and others, the motion was affirmed.
'The House adjourned till Thursday next, the 30th instant.
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