The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-07-03
Our Quebec csrrespe.dsrcs.


Oar Quebec Correspondence.
QUxBEc, juno Is. 1859.
Operations of MesHs. Pefo, Brassy, 8e.-Symp
toms of RAILROADS.. Jean Baptist Sociesy-
Procsssiows- Opening of the Nse District of OF
ta,Oa--Cay Refrms-Watr Wmks-Amniver
sary of WateIoo-Barmum's Panorama, &C., &C.
1t would be singular fact if Mr.. Hincks' failure
in England were to prove really beneficial to this
country; but tits less improbable than strange
Governments are proverbialy bad men Of business,
where all other things are equal; merchant or m
individual capitalist can always make q better bar
gain than a cabinet Of ministers. The Englishmen
whose names gave you in previous lotter-men
ofimmense fortunes, built by their own energy and
wisdom-arc pushing the negotiations with the rail-
road companies in Canada and the Lower Provinces
with unexampled vigor. On the 18th inst, the
government Of New Brunswick spurred on by their
agents, definitely accepted their offer to build the
European and North American road. On or about
the Same day, Mr.. Ross, another London agent,
closed provisional agreement with the Quebec and
Melbourne Railway Company; and the money for
that enterprise-which has so often been menaced
with abandonment-will also be forthcoming The
Same gentleman then posted of to Hamilton, to ex-
and to treat for millions with the directors of the
various sections of the projected trunk line In
truth, when money is abundant at two per cent in
England, safe investment at six in this country is
not to be despised; especially when, in aspra-
tions after material progress, we are prepared to
jump at any terms. l shall be much mistaken if
two years are allowed to elapse without four five
important railways being constructed, OF at least
commenced, in British North America.
The anniversary Of the patron saint of the French
Canadians, ST. Jean Baptiste, occurred on Thurs
day. To stranger, the formal celebration of ho-
lday in honor OF saint, whose title to the peculiar
and especial respect Of the habitans Of Lower
Canada cannot be discovered by the deepest re-
search and most conscientious inquiry, must seem q
very curious trait in our national character Eng
lshmen, Irshmen, and Scotchmen, have, it is true,
founded societies chiistened after their respective
patron saints, the sole object of which is to adm-
mister relief to distressed emigrants, each socieey
caring especially for those who claim to rank under
its banner. Such societies are usually formed
wherever British exiles are to be found in conside
rable numbers. But tho French Canadians have
no such excuse for their holidays they are at home
here ifanywhere, and several charitable and relie-
loHs bodies afford them an ample means of bestow-
ing their aims in an efficient and praiseworthy
ner. The practice must. imagine, DO ascrbed to
the national love Of display which they have inhe-
rted from their ancestors. Politics have something
to do with it. society in which every French Ca.
nadan is enrolled, is no doubt powerful electoral
engine; but the handspring which keeps the BODY
is the natural fondness of Frenchmen for shining
brass and waving feathers. They met ON the es-
planade, at 9 A, NJ. on Thursday, pedestrians in
black coat and breaches, with tho national maple
leaf horsemen on steeds. released for the nonce
from the hack, cab, caleeche, ana treated to an
extra feed of oats, in the view of inducing beauti-
full curvetipgs the boys of the public schools all in
light blue spencers, and each carrying white flag
poor little creatures, bred in wholesome terror of
ecclesiastical power and hearty disgust at freedom
OF thought The celebrated flag which the French
Canadians bore at the battle of Carlton surrounded
by several shoemakers, carpenters and tailors who
are playfully styled voltigeurs in the programme;
number Of sallow faced understood gentry, extin-
guished under the weight of prodigious mumbrino
helmets, who find, on referring to Til same doc
ument, were cotigems checa'; Lane s, sappers,
battle. axe bearers, trumpeters. all freu with
BILE ardor of signalling themselves in the procession
through the streets. You must not suppose that all
this is not done an rtrs grand sCrieur, though the
most pompous heroes of the fGte were
Awkward, embarrassed, stiff. without the skill
OF moving gracefully or standing stl
With one leg so suspicious of its brother,
Plainly resolved to run away from t'ethcr.
Nobody dared to view the matter in jocose
light. In the procession, members of the House.
merchants. lawyers. and men of high standing in
every profession and calling, figured at full length
GIN the Governor General. surrounded by the Coun-
tess, Lord and Lady Wharnclife, and the Hon Miss
Stuart Wortley. sailed forth on the balcony, and
addressed them in very good speech in French.
wind up the day with a jolly dinner; but, after a
sermon from an eloquent priest, dispersed, each
vastly pleased with the display himself had made.
The new district. called the Ottawa district, was
opened. or rather ipaugurated, (Which is the cor
rect termD on the 2lst inst. Judge McCord, late
of Police at Quebec. has been ap-
pointed Judge at Aymer. This will have very
Injurious effect On the practice Of the bar at Mont
real.
Much stir is being made about the altering of
Mountain street, leading from the Upper to the
Lower Town of Quebec. At present, it is certainly
a disgrace SC the city-as trying to the strength Of
horses as to the nerves of ladies; and in the spring
or after several days rain it is the bed of torrent
which almost threatens to carry both away. 1t is
proposed to widen it by purchasing the land on one
side, pulling down the houses and making the new
who love to spend couple Of days at the "Gibral-
tar of America" viii be glad to hear Of the pro-
posed improvement. Another city reform will soon
go into operation-namely. the establishment Of
water works. The water is to be procured from Lo,
rette, about eight miles distant The reservoir will
be about half a mile from ST. Louis Gate. All who
have heard Of the continual! fires viii ,h usually desc
late Quebec during the winter and spring, will re-
joce that efectual means are at length being taken
to check them.
The eighteenth Of June came and ended without
notice. or the honor of review, either here or ut
Kingston. Some warlke people, residing in the
latter city have complained Of Gen. Gore s allowing
the anniversary of Waterloo to pass without least
sCne CONNIE ruoration of the day: Others will, per-
hnps, approve the economy Of powder. The General
probably very little what il said on the sub
ect: lie is shortly to be removed, on dit, to Nova
scotia, whore he will assume the command Of the
forces.
BaInum's panorama Of the Crystal Palace is still
here, and so are the NickinsoDs and Z. L. Il. The
former is located in Champlan street, which is, Of
course, enough to prevent its being popular place
IF resort. Courageous females, Of certain age,
awe been known to penetrate those berbarous re-
gions, and to return uninjured both ia person
md purse: but the experiment Is bold one, and
cw have the hardihood TO attempt it,
1t is reported that Parliament will meet on the
,th of August STADAooNA.
Our Albany Correspondence,
ALBANY, june %, 1852.