Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1837-12-02

Civil War In Canada--Its eauscs-- DISPOSE
ton Of the People, Conduct OF the Co
vernment, SC.
brief but authentic synopsis of the origin ana
progress Of the troubles in Canada cannot but prove
interesting readers in the present crisis OF the
affairs of that agtaed dependency of the British
crown, the last of its possessions on this continent
summary of the events which have preceded, and
given rise to- the of bloodshed now enacted
will be interesting in another point OF view, as show
ing with how much mbecillty the affairs OF nations
directed and thath satraps of monarchcal 60
vernment can embroi matters completely as Presl-
dents and their underlngs The same events spring
from the causes and wisdom is rarely learned
until it is too late to profit by the lesson
To come undersandingly TO the subject il will be
necessary to take up the thread of circumstances as
far back 1924, when the pecaniary concerns OF
Lower Canada first assumed serious aspect, and
gave rise 10 the train of misunderstanding and heart
bunngs which have now resulted in open revolution.
There was small sum of El2, 600, arising from
particular revenue, of which the crown claimed the
sole control, but to which the House of Assembly
laid pretenslens. When their demand was first ur-
ged, the Governor, Lord Dalhouse, was IN England,
and the Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Burton,
left in the administration of the affairs of the pro-
vince. Sir Francis a man of easy temper and
conciliatng manners and allowed the prstensons of
the Assembly to pass uncontested so this body
proceeded to vote away the bone Of contention ac-
cordng its discretion, the Governor sanctonlng
with the royal assent the vote appropriation at the
end of the session. When the Earl of Dalhousis re-
turned and resumed the reins of government, he was
very much dissatisfied with the admission by his Iocum
tcaens ofthe Assemblys encroachment upon the royal
i II. IL. ~
lonia Secretary, despatch reprmandng Sir Francis
Burton fer his supneness and indifference, and cancel
ling the obnoxious act This as the commencement of
Lord Dahouses unpoPuarity, and it gave offence to
the Canadians in atwoold manner first, breach
oftheir parliamentary privilege Of controlling the fiscal
operations of the provincial governmental second
ly, censuring a person popular and beloved as
the Liestenant Governor. This Lord Dalhousie's
first offence in their eyes, and paved the way for that
detestation and unpopularity which pursued him
through every succeeding step Of his proconsushp.
In the session of 1885, that fruitful topic ofdis-
sension in all representative governments moot
cd-that of specific appropriations. Under the arbi-
trary rules Of the former governors Sir James Craig
Sir Gordon Drummond, and Sir John Sherbrooke, GALL
military men, and who governed Canada as Crom-
wells Major Generals domineered over Esglnnd) this
question had been repeatedly agitated but by ad-
dress and tcmporizng the part Of the government
the monies voted reserviBg the ght of the As
semby at future periods Under Lord Dalhousie,
the time had arrived when the Assembly made So
Tenn declaration Of its determination not to vote the
public money except on specific estimates each item
of public service being mentioned with the name Of
the public officer who held the office and the sum
CURED for his remuneration being inscribed To this
the Governor demuned insisting upon the right of de-
handing the money for the civil service of the
try in a lump he being responsible for its proper APP
plication. He refused to send in any specific est
mates, notifying the Legislature that he required
tain for his Majestys service and that he would
account for its distribution the next session. The As
sembly refused to vote the peoples money on these
terms; the public business was put step to by mu-
tual wrangling and things were left in this state by
the prorogation and subsequent dissolution Of the
provincial parliament.
During these occurrences, Mr. Papneau the Speaker
Of the Assembly, particularly conspicuous in his
opposition 10 the provincial government, and against
Lord Dahouse personally by which he was recon-
mended to the consideration of the Canadian party
and returned at the next election by an overwhelming
majority. When the Parliament assembled, Mr. Pa
pneau reelected Speaker by two thirds of the
members; but when he presented himself TO the
Governor for approval the Earl dsalowed the choice
Of the Assembly, and directed them to their
house, and elect another person whom he could APP
prove. This unwise step, proceeding from personal
hostility, only tended to increase the popularity and
influence Of the rejected funcienary; the confidence
of the house was doubled in his integrity, and I'M
fnching opposition to the power which had selected
him as its victims and by a vote Of some 70 10 they
reelected him, and refused 10 choose any ether
They called in question the Governors right of dis
allowance, alledging that il old and obsolete
form, mere ceremonial, like the demand for freedom
OF speech and person; and the debates this point
were only terminsted by fresh Propagation. Mean
time the public business remained suspended the
expenses Of the civil list being betrayed out of the
military chest; Lord Dalhousie taking upon himself
the responsibility, and being applauded to the very
echo by the British party, composed of the Scotch
and English, and a small proportion Of the Irish in
habtants.
In our next we will touch upon this state of party
feeling among the inhabitants of the country, Canadi-
an and Anglo Canadian and show how the infatua-
ton Of the government was increased by the vo-
lence and insolence Of its adherents.
~ The Eastern Argus says Bennett of New