The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-06-10
an equal number Of members Of the federal House
of representatives; but in mental vigor, think

an equal number of members Of the federal House
Of representatives; but in mental vigor, l think
they are inferior In either case purity is out of
the question The earnest, 60 ahead spirit OF your
citizens is reflected in their legislature albeit rugged
and sometimes impetuous and spirit of n itonality
Is displayed which "covers a multitude of sins, /"
aud gives grounds Of hope for bright and glorious
future II Il the misfortune of u colony that 1t has
none OF the advantages of national existence-none
Of the historical traditions which shed halo upon
the past and govern the legislation of the present
Whatever glory England may have, the colonies of
England feel it not-they are not living branches,
but mere fungi; and their whole public policy is
destitute of everything like vitality. In Canada,
We have not great parties struggling for great dis
tnctve principles; but petty factions, amin ted by
noholier motive than liking for loaves and fishes,
and exhibiting, from first TO last, jealousy and
sefshness as mean as they are reckless
The most potent man in the Legislature Is, un-
quCstioGably, Lafontaine, Attorney General for
Canada East, and Dictator General Tor the whole
province. lie has the French faction at his beck,
and as their votes sway everything, he is literally
the omnipotent VI. L. Z. Physically he is tall and
ponderous with little of the gaiety and mpulsive-
ness of the Frenchman, and as Indifferent to dress
as Crttenden of Kentucky Lafontane has cour
age and decision of character-what he wills is
done; what he says Is law-always remembering,
, however, that he neither does nor says ought that
offend the Roman Catholic priests, who form
the principal sources Of his power. He is the o.
Connell Of the colony, far as leadership based on
prestly influence is concerned but be has little OF
the skin and talking power of the Irish demagogue
lie speaks principally in French, and in colloquial
style never resortiDg to defamation, though occa-
sioHaliy dealing out sarcasm, pontedly and mer-
cilessY. When he does deliver himself in Eng.
sh his speeches are devoid of all oratorica effect
in conseq 4ence OF strong French accent which
renders them almost unntelligible to strangers.
The least influential, although the most taxable
member, is w. Lyon M ickenzie, without whom
the reporters would apparently have nothing to do
Ills speeches. like his letters, 'brstle with stats
ties, thrown together in the most clumsy and UNI
artistic manner imaginable. lie deals out accuse
tions, and hard words on all sides-pretty much as
an Indian would fire poisoned arrows in a thicket;
and after the skirmsh, quietly gathers up all again
to re furnish h,s CULVER on another day,
Strange as it may seem, the only talking patron
Mackenzie has yet found is Col. Prince-the veri-
table Colonel who, n year or two ago, kicked him
out Of the parliamentary library, ut Montreal, into
the street gutter. Prince used to be an English
tory of the old school, and such when he com
mitted the assault in question. Having cut his
wisdom teeth, he became an nexationist, and
thereby incurred the dspleasure of the Elgin min
istry, who stripped him Of his military honors lie
\ is plain Mr. Prince, but jolly, gentcmany )
fellow, nevertheless; and one who never loses .
chance of declaring his desire to Canada cast of
its leading strings He is not alone in that desire
even in Parliament. Sanborn, Lower Canadian,
came in on the annexationist ticket; DE Witt is ar
snnexationist; and many Others so, covertly il
not openly
Papineau, the young Canadian leader, has
not taken his seat this session One of the two
who was put forward and elected ON anti priesty
grounds.
We have need Of more nt-priestly candidates
y GU cannot stir, even in Toronto, without meeting
sinister looking fellows, with long coats and cooked
hats, and all the habliments OF Loyala. They have
already obtained power to hold property to an un-
limited extent in the province, and rardly gain
ing ground in all directions. On the other habd
the Orangenen are doing their utmost to extend t.
Canada the religious antipathies of their Celtic
progenitors By and by, Jesuitism and Orange sn
will bring old Irish feuds to the eliminating point
and then we shall be in a mess from which only
Providence or lsnkeedom rescue
As yet, no legislation has been actually accom-
plished' Application has been made for charter
of Incorporation for company, who propose t
construct railway from Lake superior to the Pa
cific-a wild goose scheme, Ia Whitney, from
which you have nothing to fear. +. G. Capreol ha.
pettioncd for leave to construct canal at the Ste
St. Marie; but this again is sheer braggadocia.
Ministers have announced their intention to place
new lights in the 1t. Lawrence, with the view 0
facilitating trade via Montreal and Quebec.
Merritt's resolutions reciprocity will probabl,
be discussed to night. You shall have the point:
Of the debate without loss Of time.
ASaLo-AMERIcAS.