The proceedings of the Canadian Parliament, newly assem- bled for
the session, comprise some points of considerable interest. Lord Cathcart, the Governor-General, began his first speech to the Provincial Legislature by announcing that his appointment was "permanent : it had been supposed to be only ad interim. His conduct in office must now vindicate the selection of a military officer, unknown to political life, for a civil post so very important. It is surmised, indeed, that he was chosen on account of his military rank, to be fully prepared in the case of war with :the United States. According to his report, the colony is quite prepared. The Republicans, whenever they are at issue with this country, blurt out threats that Canada shall be taken, as it was by Wolfe. Wolfe had not to encounter British arms. On the contrary, should violence be used, it seems that Canada would be ready, and willing, to take the aggressive, and that the threateners might be put upon the defensive. Among the formal documents laid before the Parliament at Montreal, were despatches by Mr. Gladstone, the new Secretary of State for the Colonies. The colonists cannot but feel a salu- tary difference in the style of these missives, since Lord Stanley has made room for an abler statesman and a more amiable politi- cian. Mr. Gladstone reasons with the Canadians on the subject of the Corn-laws and the differential duties, which they regret to lose ; of the Navigation-laws, which they would extend to the inland waters of Canada ; and of some cognate matters. He urges upon them liberal doctrines. In matter his productions might come under the head of "didactic despatches," but they altogether differ in tone. He does not seem to be writing for effect, but for a mutual understanding on affairs of substantial interest : his urency is tempered by candour and a courteous de- ference for the interests and feelings of the colonists. Such a manner alone is one easy and just means of retaining the friendly relations between the colony and the Mother-country.
Previous page
