The Sun.
London, England, 1822-11-22 00:00:00

THE COLONIES.

THE UNION OF THE CANADAS.
[From the Montreal Herald, October 16, 1822.]
We present our readers with the important
proceedings of the Meeting for devising means
for effecting a re-union of the Provinces of Upper
and Lower Canada, to which we beg to direct
the particular attention of our Readers.

A numerous and highly respectable meeting of the Friends
of the Re-union of Upper and Lower Canada, took place on
Monday last, 14th instant, at the Exchange in St. Joseph-
street, to devise measures for the promotion of that desirable
object; and the Hon. Joint RICHARDSON' was unanimously
chosen Chairman, and Mr. JoirN FLEMING Secretary.
The business of the day was opened by the Honourable
Chairman, whose name is intimately connected with the Con-
stitutional history of this province, who observed that they had
been called together to consider of the best means of promoting
the re-Union of the Provinces of Lower and Upper Canada.—
This was a question of great moment to themselves, but infi-
nitely greater to their posterity ; for upon its decision might
depend whether inducements would not be held out to them, to
become Foreigners in a British Colony ; or, for the Inhabitants
of foreign origin to become British. When the Bill for the re-
union was lately introduced into the Imperial Parliament, it
was opposed by a few Members, at the head of whorin was Sir
James M‘lntosh ; a systematic opponent of Government, who
opposed it as being one of their measures.—Whereas had it
been an opposition measure it would certainly have had his
support : as it was, he (Sir James) did not disapprove of the prin-
ciple of the measure; and had, to the knowledge of the Hon.
Chairman, founded his opposition upon misinformation; he had
said that the present constitution of the two Provinces had been
two years known to the inhabitants before its adoption—it was
not so. The Hon. Chairman was in London in the winter of 1790-
91, at the time the Bill was introduced into Parliament which,
to the astonishment of every one not in the secret, separated
the province of Quebec into two. Part of the population,French
as well as English, had petitioned for a representative govern-
ment, with a House of Assembly, and Mr. Adam Lyrnburner,
an old merchant of Canada, was appointed Agent of the peti-
tioners to forward their obeject.

He, and every person from Canada then in London, whereof
the Hon. Chairman was one, and every London merchant con-
nected with Canada, petitioned against the separation, and were
heard by Counsel at the bar of the House of Commons. The
Hon. Speaker was examined at the Bar of that House against
the separation, and his sentiments thereon during 30 years had
not changed, as the anticipated baneful effects of the separation
had become practically manifest. The Minister persisted in
the measure, and it passed into a Law, before it was known in
Canada that the division of the then Province of Quebec into
two had been made.

Could it be possible to conceive any system more devoid of

good to this country than two separate Governments ? was it
in the nature of things, while Lower Canada had the possession
of the seaport of the Provinces, and while the present unhappy
differences subsisted between the two countries, that without
some great change in the Government, those differences could
be satisfactorily settled, or that any essential improvements could
take place in the administration of our political and commercial
affairs ?—Upper Canada complained for want of a due propor-
tion of the import duties, while Lower Canada, on the contrary,
maintained that her Sister Province asked too much. Here, of
itself, was a great source of disagreement, and a reference of the
consequent disputes to the decision of arbitration was the only
remedy that could be applied. But whatever might be the
propriety and justice of such a remedy, he was convinced in
his own mind, that no measure could be permanently efficient
for adjusting the present unfortunate division, but a re-union of
the Provinces. Something should be done, and that was the
only step, that appeared to him to be quite suitable. Lower
Canada held unquestionable possession of the commercial key
to the provinces, and a majority of the House of Asssembly of
the Province was anti-commercial.; was it proper that this key
should be allowed to remain in the sole possession, and under
the sole controul of the Lower Province, while it was so well
understood that Upper Canada had an equal right to its pos-

session.

Suppose two families to occupy one house, with only one
outer door of entrance and exit, they might indeed agree for a
short space of time regarding the opening and shutting of the
door, but would it be for a moment questioned, that when any
difficulty arose, the one family had not as just a right to the
controul of the common door as the other ? Could Lower
Canada contrive any system of revenue that would not be de-
structive of harmony ? Unhappily not; for, upon almost every
subject, the pople of Lower Canada were divided according to
their origin, which has given birth to ideas as far apart as the
Antipodes.
It could not be supposed that Canada could ever prosper in
its present divided shape ; we were now in that situation that
all dissimulation must be entirely laid aside ; and it was his
individual opinion that the measure of the re-union, so loudly
called for, would benefit its opponents as largely as its promo-
ters ; and he felt sincere pleasure in that opinion, because he
had always ardently desired to see his Majesty's subjects of
French origin assimilating themselves to those of British origin,
and thus becoming daily more capable of enjoying themselves,
and of transmitting to their posterity the beneficial consequences
of the proposed union, which he hoped no sophistry or artful
display of difficulties could induce the British Government to
give up. lie felt indeed at a loss to account for the alarm of
some timid individuals.
The Canadians of French descent had their Religion se-
cured to them by the highest authority on earth ; their property
was also secured, and what were they afraid of ? Let them
look to the conduct pursued by the Romans on such subjects.
When that great people admitted a conquered nation to the
rights of Roman citizens, the language of the Empire be-
Icame the official language of the new country which they had

adopted.
The Hon. Chairman concluded an' animated and argu-
mentative speech, by expressing himself perfectly satisfied, that
the cause which he advocated would prevail ; if not he had
only to say, that himself and those around him must sub-
mit, as became good and loyal subjects, to the decision of the
supreme Legislature;—but, added he, as our cause must pre-
vail, let us then one and all hold forth the hand of good fel-
lowship to our opponents, and, forgetting all that is passed,
embrace them as brethren of the great British Family.
JAMES STUART, Esq. began by observing, that in dis-
charging the duty imposed on him of submitting some resolu-
tions to the consideration of the meeting, he regretted that the
shortness of the notice he had received that this duty was ex-
pected from him, had precluded him from applying that atten-
tion to the subject which he would otherwise have done.
He must, therefore, bespeak the indulgence of the meeting

for the manner of acquitting himself on the occasion. He
deemed, however, any want of preparation on his part of the

less importance, as the subject under consideration was so plain
and simple, as to require no tedious process of reasoning to
establish the conclusions to be adopted by the meeting ; and,
he was satisfied that none of the respectable persons then pre-
sent, required tube convinced, that the Union of the two Pro-

vinces was of indispensable necessity.
Indeed, this was a measure of which the Policy was so pal-
pably evident, that he did not think any of the opponents of it
could so resist its adoption on any of the general considerations

applicable to the subject.
It would he invidious and unnecessary on the present occa-
sion to point out with particularity the motives for their hosti-
lity to the measure ; but he might with propriety observe, that
if examined they might be distinctly traced to one or other of
three sources. National prejudices, which ought to be extir-
pated, and local and personal interests, which ought to be dis-
carded from the consideration of the question.
The explanations which had been ably given by the Honour-
able Chairman, he observed, had exhibited the prominent con-
siderations affecting the question, and would render it less ne-
cessary for him to occupy the attention of the Meeting by any

prolixity of statement.
Among the circumstances requiring the proposed Union, those
produced by the hand of nature itself furnished irresistible argu-
ments for the adoption of that measure. The Canadas were
united by local situation ; Upper Canada could not conveniently
receive her supplies from the mother, or other Countries, nor
could she export her surplus produce and commodities, except
through Canada, which was her natural highway for that purpose.
Hence a dependence on the part of Upper Canada on Lower
Canada, which neither time nor circumstances could destroy.
Hence the necessity of subjecting the two Canadas to one Le-
gislature, by which a free ingress and egress would be secured
to Upper Canada, and the interests of both, necessarily inter-
woven with each other, be adequately regulated and promoted.
Without the adoption of this measure Upper Canada must
be at the mercy of Lower Canada. Palliative remedies of du-
bious policy, and infringing the constitutional rights, of the
Lower Province might be applied by the superintending power
of the Mother Country, but these would be found ineffectual,
and must give rise to great dissatisfaction in the minds of one
or other of the parties concerned, and be ultimately abandoned
as inadequate for the purpose intended.
In the meantime a progressive increase of population in
the two Provinces, conjoined with political circumstances

might urge them to terminate their differences by a resort to
violent measures, and it was not too much to anticipate that,
without a union, growing causes of animosity between them
might render the exercise of the just and natural claims of
Upper Canada dependant on a successful exertion of her physi-
cal force. This he observed was the natural view of the ques-
tion as it respected Upper Canada, at the time of the division of
the late Province of Quebec took place, and the differences
which had recently occurred between the two countries on the
score of duties at the Port of Quebec, were only a practical ex-
hibition of part of the evils growing out of the measures.
It was foreign from the matter under consideration to advert
to the remedies which it was said had been lately applied to this
evil by the Imperial Parliament. It was to be presumed that
they were intended as a temporary expedient ad interim only,
and to be superseded by the Union.
They must, if continued for any time, be found absolutely
intolerable by the Lower Province ; but he should forbear to
make any observations on them, under the supposition that
their operation would be of short continuance.
In addition to the powerful considerations he had already
urged in favour of a Union, he thought the strongest auxiliary
arguments were to be derived from the beneficial consequences
to result from that measure affecting the internal government
of the Provinces. He might, he believed, take upon himself to
say, that the Colonial administrations of neither had given sa-
tisfaction to the Country in regulating their internal and ex-
ternal concerns, and, considering the present composition of the
separate Legislatures, there was no speedy prospect of meliora-
tion. There was a want of efficiency which was not likely to be
soon remedied, while two distinct Legislatures continued to sub-
sist, and the effects arising from this cause could not perhaps be
more strikingly exemplified than by contrasting the state of im-
provement in these Provinces with that to be observed in the neigh-
bouring country, the vast superiority exhibited in the latter clearly
prove the existence of great inherent defects in the present sys-
tem. He felt satisfied, however, that under such a Govern-
ment as the Union would produce, the advantages would all be
in the side of British subjects inhabiting these Provinces.—
With an exemption from public burthens that lessen the profits
of Industry in the United States, they would have the benefits
resulting from a better form of government, and from the fos-
tering protection of the Mother Country.—lt was in Lower
Canada, however, he observed, that the evils arising from a di-
vision of the Provinces were strikingly conspicuous.
Here the powers of Government had been paralysed, and all
improvement obstructed, by the ever recurring differences be-
tween the several branches of the Colonial Legislature ; which
no doubt had in some instances been promoted by individuals
who have found in them causes of personal aggrandisement and

importance.
But, it was sufficient to assert the existence of the evil on
the present occasion, without investigating the concurring causes
that produce it. To any person conversant with the history of
the Province it must be evident, that in Lower Canada the po-
litical evils, of which the existence and inveteracy will be ad-
mitted on all hands, can find a remedy in the proposed union
only.
Mr. Stuart observed, that convinced as he was of the expe-
diency and necessity of the Union, and entertaining an anxious
wish to see it realised, he had observed, with much regret, thata
part of the population of this Province appeared to be under
the most erroneons impressions with respect• to this measure ;
and it seemed to him that these impressions must have been
produced by misrepresentation.
The part of the population to which he alluded, had been led
to imagine that the Union would operate injuriously to their
peculiar rights, and endanger their religion and their laws.—
There was not, he observed, the slightest foundation for any
apprehension on this score. The Roman Catholic Religion,
by the Act of 1774, was not merely tolerated, but put on the
footing of an Established Religion in this Province. Nothing
more could be desired than the provisions of this law, notwith-
standing the Union should continue inviolate, and an adequate
security on this head could no doubt by any Bill further the
Union which might pass, be afforded. With respect to the
laws which prevail in the Province, they stood on the same firm
basis—the statute to which he had alluded. They comprise an
excellent system of municipal law, derived principally from a
French source, requiring only some enactments to adapt them to
the use of a Commercial People, and such additions to them as
circumstances may require. With the administration of those
laws the country had long been familiar, arid was satisfied with
them, and no change, he believed, was meditated or expected
by any part of die community.
Upper Canada, it was to be presumed, would be equally jea-
lous of its laws, but in neither of the Provinces Was apprehen-
sion to be entertained on this head, as the systems of law, pecu.

liar to each, with their respective systems of judicature, would
after the Union remain in statu quo ; and what would be prin-
cipally required in both Provinces, would be such legislative
enactments as the interest common to both would from time to

time require.
He would, he observed, indulge an expectation that the part
of the population to which he alluded would, on further consi-
derations, see cause to relinquish their opposition to a Union of
the Provinces, founded on considerations of policy and justice :
and he was satisfied, that, after this measure had gone into
operation, they would have reason to congratulate themselves
on its adoption.
Every part of both Provinces would soon exhibit the benefi-
cial effects of the Union, and the inhabitants, of whatsoever na-
tional origin, or whatever religious creed, would equally feel its
improving influence.
Mr. Stuart, afte: apologizing for occupying the attention of
the meeting so long, observed, that he would have the honour of
submitting to their consideration several Resolutions in unison
with the sentiments he had expressed, and which he hoped would
receive the concurrence of the meeting.
He then proposed the following Resolutions, which were una-
nimously adopted :-
Ist—Resolved, That in the opinion of this Meeting the
geographical situation of the two Canadas in respect of each
other, and the relations which nature has established between
them, render their union under one Legislature indispensably
requisite for the continuance of a friendly and mutually benefi-
cial intercourse, and for the prosperity of both.
2d—Resolved, That the experience of thirty years, which
have elapsed since the division of the late Province of Quebec
into two Provinces, with separate Legislatures, has confirmed
the inexpediency and impolicy of that measure, which, besides
occasioning politial evils of great magnitude, has most injurious-
ly retarded the development of the resources of both Provinces.
3—Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the pre-
tentions of Upper Canada, in respect of duties on importations
at the port of Quebec, and the difficulties to which they have
given rise, are a direct consequence of the establishment of dis-
tinct Legislatures in the two Provinces, and only one of the
many evils of which that measure has already been productive,
and which, without, an adequate remedy, must be succeeded by

still greater.
4th—Resolved, That without the benefit of a Union, there
can be no prospect that the differences between the Provinces,
respecting Revenue, will be effectually removed ; and the re-
medial measares applied for that purpose will only exasperate
the growing animosity between the two countries, and operate
prejudicially to the interests of the Mother Country.
sth—Resolved, That among the many beneficial conse-
quences to result from a Union, this meeting consider, as one
of the most important, the effect it will have in extinguishing
the national prejudices and hostility of feelings, derived from
difference of origin, that now prevail to the infinite injury of the
community, and in consolidating the population of both Pro-
vinces into one homogeneous mass, animatedby the same views
for the public interest, and the same sentiments of loyalty to-
wards their common Sovereign.

6th— Resolved, That in the opinion of this Meeting, the pro-
posed measure of uniting the Provinces under one Legislation,
is essentially necessary for ensuring the continuance of their
connexion with the Mother Country, and rendering lasting
their dependence on it.
7th—Resolved, That this meeting has observed, with the
greatest satisfaction, and respectful gratitude, the attention
which has been bestowed by His Majesty's Government on the
proposed measure of a Union of the Provinces, and cannot but
hope with confidence that, at this period of tranquility, when
measures for confirming the strength and advancing the com-
mercial prosperity of the Empire, may be most advantageously
canvassed and adopted, the great and important purpose of
uniting the Canadas under one Legislature will be accom-
plished.
fith—Resolved, That Petitions to both Houses of the Impe-
rial Parliament, from all those interested in the prosperity of
the Provinces, and ambitious of transmitting the character of
British subjects to their posterity, ought to be presented, ex-
pressive of their anxious desire that the proposed Union may
take place.
9th—Resolved,That a Committee of eleven be now appointed
to prepare a Petition from the persons resident in the City
and County of Montreal, who are desirous that the proposed
measure may be realized, to correspond with our fellow sub-
jects in the Townships and other parts of the Province, and in
Upper Canada, and adopt such other steps as may appear ad-
visable, with a view to promote the success of the measure.
10th—Resolved, That the Committee be composed of
The Hon. John Richardson, Hon. Charles William Grant ;

and James Stuart, Samuel Gerrard, George Garden, Frederick
William Ermatinger, Samuel Gale, George Moffatt, John
Molson, Peter Mac Gill, John Fleming, Esqrs.
It was then Resolved, That the thanks of this Meeting be
given to the Hon. John Richardson, for his able conduct in the
Chair.

Resolved-That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Jas.
Stuart, Esq. for his excellent Speech and Resolutions, in sup.
poet of the important business of the day.

THE MURDER AT AYLESBURY.—Yesterday
James Richards, a stout athletic countryman,
was brought before EDMUND GRIFFITHs, Esq.,
the sitting Magistrate at Mary-le-bone Office,
charged on suspicion of being concerned in the
murder of 'an aged couple, who kept the toll-gate
at Ashton Clinton, a mile or two on this side of
Aylesbury, on Tuesday night last.—The only
evidence adduced to criminate the prisoner was
that of Levy, a Jew, who stated, that lie was sit-
ting in a public-house, the,sign of the Lord Thor-
ley, in Nottingham-street,Mary-le-bone, at break-
fast; prisoner was also there; a man was reading
aloud the account of the atrocious murder at
Aylesbury ; the prisoner changed colour, and
appeared agitated, and asked instantly in a very
hurried manner where the murder was committed ?
The prisoner sat for some minutes, and asked his
way to Fleet-street.'The witness, in consequence
of the agitation the prisoner displayed, thought he
might have been concerned in the murder, or some
other act, therefore he gave information to this of-
fice, and he was taken into custody. .—The prisoner
in his defence said he was an Oxfordshire man,
and had come from North Wales to Salisbury,
and from thence to Southampton and to Guild-
ford, across the country, and, finally, arrived in
town. As to the murder he was totally ignorant ;
lie never heard of it until the person had read the
account, He also said he had two brothers in
town, but had not seen them since last spring,
and he knew not where they lived. The prisoner
was detained until inquiry can be made.—ln-
formation of the atrocious act was lodged at the
office, and inquiries in the country are ordered to
be instituted.