The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-10-13

QUEBDc, Oct 8, 1862.
Rrxkemrtary Proceedings RaasCay from Calais,
- Raiw<. 10 NovG Scotia as~ 1rs~k Line to
Hsiifar-Proposs9 Repeal of Che Usuvy Lascs
x,,rased by the French Canadians Silence as to
~ Nee Commercial Policy of as Gouammemt--
BcH al Government House Cholera and the
WeGih0.
The Governor General came down TO the Province
Building yesterday, where he was foseived, as is
usual, by guard Of honor from one of the regi-
ments in garrison, the band playing the national
air, and gave his assent to Eve six hills among
which was one, repeating certain clauses in act
Of last session, which provided, that companies ap.
yIying for charter, shall produce certificate of
the Provincial Secretary, that ten per cent of the
amount subscribed had been paid in I; end bill for
incorporating Main Trunk Railway Company be-
tween Canada and Ealifax, had to be withdrawn,
for the accommodation of Mr.. jackson, the great
railway capitalist who has been " soft sawdoring'
the Canadians to such extent, tina. they seem
aisposed to sell themselves body and soul and who
had been sent for fron,NeW Brunswick, where he
has entered into contract to build line of rail-
way, from the frontier OF Maine to thctoundary Of
Nova Scotia distanc of ais miles, for which that
province is to pay the enormous sum of SIS 800 per
and the bonds Of the company, in paymentthe for.
at six per cent and the latter at ther-ate Of SIX
and half per cent.
No sooner had the bill, repeating certain clauses
IN the Railway act, received the Governor Generals
assent than the original bill went through its first
and second readings and was referred to the Rail.
way Committee; which will doubtless report fa-
voIably. But there is still some difficulty with
the Montreal Company; few individuals of that
city, when they found an English capitalist was
about arriving in the Province, having subscribed
for all the stock, without any apparent ability to
meet their engagements, and as those who took
the lead were interested in the Montreal and Port
land hne, 1t would appear their object was to
get q bridge constructed across the St Lawrence
opposite the former city and, accordingly they
made il q condition, that Mr., jackson should COM
pleie such an undertaking. which he very naturally
refUsed, as the effect would be to divert traffic fren
the lire on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. It
has Been frequently rumored, that the parties ct
1oQueal have surrendered their charter but up to
this time l cannot find that such has been tie
case
Mr. Jackson has also visited Nova Scotia, where
he laid his plan before the executive council; but
they do not seem disposed to pay him six, and six
and . bali per cent interest, when. With the g1a-
rsntee of the British Government capital may be
had at three and half or four There has been
COOS deal of evasion Mt the Colonial Ofee recently,
the Earl of Derby seeming disposed to rid him
self Of the pleoge made by his predecessor; but as
Mr.. jackson has taken that portion of the line from
Ss John to Calais, about which the colonial minis
ter demurred, it is very probable the British 60
verDm.nt will guarantee the liabilities Of the pro-
Vince for the remainder, extending from Halifax,
alepg the astern portion of New Brunswick, far
- the Bay de Chaleurs, and thence crossing into
Canada.
An attempt which has repeatedly been made to
yd the country of the usury laws the operation of
which seems TO be productive here of ali kinds of
rascaity, has. during the present week, been par
italy successful; the second reading of bill re.
peaiiDg them having come up on Wednesday, and
notion to postpone 1t TO that day six months hav-
ing been Degatived by vote of 81 to 80. The
mt asure is opposed by the French Canadians, who
viii use every exertion to defeat its they to be
apprehensive that removing the restrictions that at
present exist, ana which entirely pugatory, will
place the people of lower Canada completely at the
mercy of small capitalists; which would be about
the best thing that could happen to them, if it
pretend to cultivate, which do not yield subsst-
sDee for their families and the consequence Is they
ue every day becoming more involved.
From the statements that were made during the
debate, and which were not quettioned or contro-
verses, it would appear that iourfths Of the inhs
bitslts of Lover Canada, that is OF the rural popu
tion, are in debt; and really, when look at the
number OF priests and which they have to sup
port; the number of youths Of both sexes who are
Withdrawn from the setive duties of life; the num-
Der Of holidays aud tetes dcbtgoti0n, which inter-
rupt the Industrial pursuits OF the inhabitants Of
this part of the province, and the extensise pre-
vaieDce Of numbering; this state of things is not to
be wondered at. Indeed, il mast be anaturally fer
lille country, to enable the people tobear up ainst
these adverse circumstances ut all
The amount of Indebtedness 10 this province, was
estimated the other evening forty millions of dol
lirs et least two thirds Of which must be owing by
some three or four hundred Thousand French Cana
dians But dividing he entire amount among the
population Of both provinces which may be es.imst.
cd al two millions probably, it will give the average
Of debt rs twenty dollars for every man, woman,
and child. In addition to which, the pu bic deot of
the province about twenty millions; 30 that either
directly or indirectly, the burden Of debt under
which the people labor, is about thirty dollars
head.
There is another difficulty under which the people
OF Lower Canada are oppressed arising from the
excessive high prices that are paid TOR tue necessa-
RES OF life which they consume, GO 3sequent upon
the tuck system which is inevitable Consequence
Of the numbering business; those WHO are employed
IN This way being paid In what are called orders on
the STORE, the price charged being at least twenty
hve per cent more than the articles could be purchas
ed Tor with the cash Mr.. jackson, see, ha. ad-
vertised that he viii make pay ments every fortnight
IN cash, and that person In his employment vail
be permitted to furnish supplies; which may possibly
have good effect IL tie vicinity Of the line Of raul
way which ne msy contract to build. But while the
numbering trade il carried on, tho,e engaged In il
mast suffer from the continuance OF the present sys
tenn.
The government have net yet come dawn with
their new commercial policy. with reference TO tbs
canals and importatons from the United States.
The public press IL divided in opinion; but the
balance is in favor Of the measure, AMI even the OPP
position papers approve OF the course which it is
prepared TO pursue and which Is doubtless the true
policy Of the country There is a notice before the
House. Of motion TO be made by Mr.. Young, who
resigned Office in consequence Of the decsi0n of the
government upon the subject, ioquiring whether it
IL their intention to bring in any resoiuCons relative
10 the establishment Of retsa.ory policy against
pefs, ne ttadk tofa for tba
pose Of ievying higher tolls on American vessels
passing through The Wellsnd canal than on British.
On Wednesday evening, the ball, which post
poDed the arrival Of the of the death Of the
Duke of Wellington, took place at the government
house There are certain number Of these balls
during the session, At which proportionate mum
Der Of the Legislature are invited To say that g
large portion Of The beauty aud fashion of the place
were present, would be TO tell osr repeated tale
but OF the papers OF the following day, went
far saY. TIA. gn tho .honest2n Of Qaebec was