The Express.
London, England, 1848-07-18 00:00:00

CANADA„

Lord G. BENTINCKeornpI;;;I thatin aeorrespondense
which had been laid on the table from the Governor. Gnu, ral
of Canada, a letter front Mr. NViNn, secretary to the Mon-
treal Bond of Trade, had been omitted. He wished to know
whether it had been received, and if so, why it had not been
laid on the table i
Mr. HAWES said that no such letter had been re elves'.
VANCOUVER'S ISLAND.
The Earl of LINCOLN wished to ask the noble lord at
the head of the government a question, but previous to
doing so he would recal to the noble lord's memory what
had occurred on Thursday last. On that occasion he (Lord
Lincoln) had asked whether any inquiry had been insti-
tuted into the manner in which the Hudson Bay Company
managed the territory entrusted to their care, and if such
inquiry had been in'!itnt, d whether, pendirg it, thc grar.t of
Vancouver's Island to the co npany would be completed?
On that occasion he (Lord Lincoln) was informed that
inquiries had taken Fiume, but not being deemed sufficient
further inquiries had been made on th; spot through the
medium of an officer in the Queen's service. He was fur-
ther informed that negotiations were going on respecting the
cession of Vancouver's Island, hut that nothing had been
completed. Ttic question he wished to ask was whether,
rending the inquiry which had been recently instituted, the
noble lord would undertake that no cession should be made
of Vancouver's island?
Lord J. RUSSELL said that the officer alluded to by the
noble lord (Major Crofton) had reported in favour of the
Hudson's Bay Company. Under these circumstances, and
considering that communication could only be had with the
territory in question twice a year, and that thetelore than
must be great delay in special inquiries, his noble friend at
the head of the colonial department had come to the deter-
mination of ceding at once Vancouver's Island to the Hud-
son's Bay Company. Under these circumstances be must
decline giving the pledge ter which the noble lord had asked.
When the charter had been ratified, it should tai laid upon
the table.
The Earl of LINCOLN asked whether the Hudson Bay
Company were to have a monopoly of the land to the t scis-
sion of free settlers?

Lord J. RUSSELL said that when the agreement wee
completed it should he laid on the table.
Mr. GLADSTONE.—Were they to understand that the
house wu to have no option in this matter, if they disap-
proved of the agreement, except that of censuring the conduit
of government by a formal vote? (Hear, hear.) Were
they to en Irrstand that on a question a, important as the
disposal of Vanccuver's Island the house was to have no
opportunity of expressing an opinion previous to its final
disposal ? (Hear, hear.) As this cession was to be made on
the evidence of Major Crofton perhaps the noble lord would
state what bad been that gentieman's opportunities of after-
Waning the truth. Had be personally visited the Red River
Lord J. RUSSELL said that blajor Crofton had merely
given his opinion generally. With respect to the first ques-
tion, he believed the government had merely adopted the
usual course. This was a charter et the crown, not a charter
by act of parliament, and when completed would be laM at
the table.
The Earl of LINCOLN said that under these drum-
stances he should feel it his duty, on the first aupply night,
to move an address to the crown, on this subject. (Hear.)

VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.
Mr. ANSTEY asked whether the papers for which Le ha d
moved, reepteting VIE Diemen'a Land, would be ready fie
the diactufflon on his motion (this day) ?
Mr. HAWES could not premise thtm under ten days,
Mr. ANSTEY, under these cirsumstmaces, postponed hi
motion for a fortnight.
SUNDAY TRADING.
_

Sir B. HALL requeVedthatniehetr. member for Ashton-
under-Lyne would, according to promise, state what omits*
he intended to take respecting the Sunday Trading Bill.
Mr. BINDLEY felt most reluctantly obliged to atm-
don the bill for the !mama session. (Hear, hear.)
IMPROVEMENTS AT WINDSOR.
Col. SALW LT asked whether the Windeor Improvement
I Bill would be proceeded with during the present session.