North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-03-10

HISTORY OF LOWER CANADA.
feonrIsuEp.l

kcoATINuED.)
Astonishrd at the result of The general
sleeileas, Lord AyImer was completely
lost 10 the political whirlpool into which
b.. folly aud igf ORANGE had plunged him.
a. 6rsi, he resolved 10 call The new Parii-
amcni together on the 9th OF January,
1895, and issued his proclamation for thai
purpose. Bui dreading 10 meet the Repre-
oataIives Of people Justly incensrd a
eaIn.I his partial and corrupt adninisira.
i,1n he soon couniefmanded this cali OF
the Legislature, and postponed i, TO The
81 tol February following, when il was
dns'ly convened.
Although The Province had, during the
pas. summer, suffered severely from the
appearance OF the Asiatic Cholera, which,
had again shown its pes,ilental nalignily
~ diteIul manner, and had hurried
wat number OF the Colonsls To the grave;
although The best portion OF The public
laads had been uuIawfully and unconsiilu.
uonay sold for o mere nominal price 10
company Of jobbeTs and spectators, re-
siding ~ London, under tie saaction uf
t..l smngg,ed ihfough the Imperial Legis-
azure, where Lower Canada was not al
all represented; although Lord Aylrner
had been embarrassed in the Admjulstra
ton ol his government, on account Of the
refusal by the House VI Assembly, 10 grant
tie supplies necessary To dciray its en-
penses; although he had been illegally
and uncons,iulonaly advised To loan
ISL 600 from the military chest, to feed
the hungry and starving officials, who were
The irue causes OF all the misfortunes
which were then affecting the Province;
aud although Lord Ayner had possessed
~ official means of knowing, whether this
newly elected House wonld entertain the
same political views as the former, yet His
Lordship had deferred the convention Of
the Legislature TO this advanced season OF
the year.
The strength Of both parties in the
House, was Immediately tried by The
election Of the Speaker. Men Of talents
were indeed so few in the ranks oil those
who were ironically called " His Majesty's
onposilion'' thai they did not venture ~
select one Of their own number, 10 oppose
the popular candidate, but brought forward
a Radical member 10 oppose Dir. Papl-
neau,s reelection. After some discussion,
the votes were cast, and the Office was a
gain conferred upon Mr.. Papineau, who
found himself supported By 10 votes,
willis, six members alone voted Tor the OPP
posins candidate. The speech oil the Coy
ernot. was far from being worthy 10 be
ranked among the !" seren sconders Of me
,norl1v The House immediately formed
tn,o committee Of she whole, on the state
of the Province. After several sIliings
This committee, reported an address to ihe
three branches Of the Imperial Parliament
euumeraling the heavy and intoIefaeit
grievances under which the Colony was
suffering s. praying for speedy Te"edy
The introduction Of the elective system M
10 The composition OF the second branch o
The Legislature, was adveried to 10 lies'
addresses, as well as in the reply oil ih'
House 10 the Governors speech.
A bin naming John Arthur Roee"cS
Esq, member OF the House q! Commons
in England, as Agent of the Province, wa
iatroducesi and passed by the Hoasr, ho
rejected by the Legislative Council. h'
sppoinimrnt however was confirmed py
resolve OF the HoBse.