North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-09-16


the old fail at Montreal had been destroy
ed by one Of those accidents, and that con-
sequentIy he had been 10 extraordinary
exenions for the sa(e.keepng Of the pri-
sonefs in the custody OF the civil auihori-
ties Of that place trusted that the Legs-
gslature would speedily come to his help.
He finished his speech by promising 10 the
popular branch that statement Of the
Provincial revenues Of the crown, would
be duly submitted to them.
As soon al the members of the House
had returned to their Hall, and before the
Governors speech was officially read by
the Speaker, bill was introduced pro
forma and read, the title OF which was
/" an act for establishing regulations re-
specting aliens and certain subjects Of His
Majesty ,rho hare resided in France com
ing into this Province or residing therein.
A presentment signed by 81 grand Iur-
ors oil the district Of Montreal and bear
ing the date Of the 10th Sept. 1903, was
communicated TO the House Of Assembly
by a written message from the Governor.
This document advocated the principle Of
land taxes for local purposes and conse-
quenty urged the propriety Of taxing the
district ol Montreal alone for the building
Of the new jail, which had become indis-
peusble by the destruction by fire OF the
former one. But The Honse thought pro-
per 10 discard this suggestion and adopted
another course TO deIray the expenses Of
that public building.
Out of fifty members who composed the
House of Assembly at that period, those
who attended that session were so few
that on the 10th of March, the quorum
was reduced from seventeen TO twelve
members.
The only Circumstance Of importance
which occurred during this session was the
difference OF opinion between the Legisla-
tive Council and the House OF Assembly
about the appointment of Commissioners
to meet those appointed by the govern
ment of Upper Canada TO decide upon
what proportion this latter Colony had a
right 10 receive Of the taxes imposed on
goods at the harbour of Quebec. The
House Of Assembly passed the bill includ-
ing the names of Commissioners on the
part OF Lower Canada. The Legislative
Council demonstrated and thought il an
encroachment on the Royal prerogative of
the Executive Government Of the Pro-
vince, but however after a conference OF
members appointed by both branches OF
the Legislature, the Legislative Council
was persuaded 20 accede TO the measure
and the same was sanctioned by the Lieu
tenant Governor, thus establishing a JUS,
and equitable precedent, for which, subse-
quently the Legislative Council in its ar
dent zeal for executive patronage, repen-
ted very bitterly.
This session was terminated on the end
day Of May following, after having sat Q
months and % days and after having given
birth to IS acts, s Of which were only
temporary bills.
If the reader will allow us to give our
opinion on the merits of this third Pro-
vincial Parliament, we shall say that ac-
cordiDg 10 our humble opinion there was
more display OF eea and legislative know
ledge in this Parliament than in the two
former ones. Yet the spirit Of intrigue
and corruption introduced by the pre-
sence in the Legislative Hall OF so many
placemen, who thought OF nothing bot Sc
curing for themselves &" the loaves and
6shes," or TO please exclusively the royal
master who was keeping them in Office /;
without paying any due regard 10 the
will, wishes and wants Of their constitu-
ents, became rather contagious and If it
had not been for the siernness and infexi-
bility OF such men as Messrs. Bedard and
Teller, the independence Of the House,
through the influence and corruptive pa
tronage of the Executive, would have