The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-07

should deprecate any concession Of territorial adyan
tages to the citizens Of the United States without
these are purchased by the most full and ample equ
valents."
As have already stated, this position will be en-
dorsed by the House Of Assembly, and probably by
the Legislative Council
Thegovernment, after passage ofthe answer will
before the Assembly the proposals of Messrs Sykes
Co., English capitalists to build and complete rail-
road, which enclose Their offer is to complete three
hundred and twenty miles of railroad, at $22, 900 per
mile These proposals will be accompanied by bills
embodying that offer -two-thirds of the amount to
pc pad IN cash or government bonds at par bearing
interest at six per cent, redeemabe in twenty years
and the remaining one-third to be paid in Stock of
the company These bills will be passed in both
branches by large majorities.
The government will propose to increase the dutv
on goods that now pay Ax and quarter per cent to
ten, by which gain will be effected of $72 ,s25; ON
thosc that pay ten to fifteen per cent yielding in
crease OF SO, 1855 on black tea, which now pays
twopence, 10 threepence per pound and on all
wheat flour imported into the province calculated at
200 900 barrels to levy duty Of quarter of dollar
per barrel by which it is expected gain Of $50 900
will he effected the amount of duty received in
1851 on that article. This aggregate increase of
revenue to meet the requirements of the railroad il
estimated at 1922 $50 per annum.
nave not ume at present TO write more at length,
but shall endeavOr to furnish you weekly with sy-
nopsis OF such OF the proceedings of the provincial
Legislature particularly of the Assembly-as may
deem will be interesting to the wideyextended read
ers oI tne HERALD &.
HALIFAX, Jan. 20, 1853.
Noca Scotia Legislative Proceea,ngs-BMs to
abolish Imprisonment for Dcbt-An Electric Lc-
gislatirc Council, and Universal Su6iuge-Raa-
tcoy Matters Montreal and Portland Line
British Government Backing Out--OGer of Eng
tssh Capitalists to Furnish Funds-FJshery
Documents.
On Thursday last surrounded by large assem-
blage OF ladies and gentlemen, Sir Gaspard lie Mar
chant, for the first time, met the assembled wisdom
OF Nova Scotia. His speech on the occason-a copv
OF which | sent you-was an excellent one, chal-
longing the admiration Of all parties in the Legis-
ature-the principal topics touched upon being the
fisheries, railroads, agriculture; and education.
The House having returned to their chamber, Mr.
Armand, member for Halifax introduced bill to
abolish imprisonment for debt; and Mr.. Campbell of
Greysboro in very neat address, prepared the draft
Of an answer to the speech, which also forwarded
Mr.. johnson, the leader Of the opposition, then in.
troduced bill, the object Of which is to make the
Legislative Council elective; another in favor of
universal sufirage-strange propositions from the
tory party-and third for incorporating the coun-
ties of the province.
On Friday, Mr.. johnson, in a heightened address,
introduced an amendment to the answer which led
to an animated debate, that gentleman as usual at
lacking the government, and whose speech was re-
markabe for nothing but display Of bad feeling to-
wards the members OF the administration individual
ly. He was replied to by the Provincial Secretary
with great good taste who evidently did not wish by
indulging in Mr. Johnson's own style, to provoke
angry discussion so early in the session. Several
other prominent members addressed the House for
and against the proposed answer by the government
party, which passed by division Of 26 to 49,
On Saturday, after the House had returned from
waiting on the Governor with their reply, Mr.. Howe
in delivery, laid upon the table the enclosed railway
proposals. Hwonld be impossible to give here even
an outline of the honorable gentleman's address,
which was one of the best ever heard him deliver
who took occasion to defend himself against the at
tacks which have, during the last twelve months,
been made against him in the Color,ia newspaper.
Mr.. Howe clearly showed that the withdrawal of
the imperial guaranty to the Montreal and Portland
knes of railway the act of the British govern
ment solely; that the offer to give aid to both lines
as announced by him to the government OF Nova
Scotia, was with the knowledge of Earl Grey, who
approved of the communication conveying that in
formation, before it was sent from London. Indeed
promise had been eXacted from him, at the colo
nal office, that no communication should be seat by
him to his government, without being first submitted
to Earl Grey and his colleagues. Mr.. H.. until his
late visit to England did not feel authorised to make
this explanation.
He then went on to review the several offers of con
tractors, explained the action OF the government
during the last summer, also the object of his late
visit to England which to ascertain tile position
and standing OF Messrs. Sykes Co., as contractors
their resources to carry out any contracts they might
enter into, and the possibility for Nova Scotia TO OBJ
tain money from English capitalists. On all these
points, the information obtained was OF highly
satisfactory character. Sykes & Co., are wealthy
firm, able, both in and experience to com
III.
Brothers Co. offer to aid the province to the extent
Of five millions of dollars, at six per cent, upon bonds
redecmable in twenty-five years. OF further legsla
tive action this and other matters shall keep you
informed. The fishery papers, to which alluded in
former letter, will not be ready till next Wednesday,
when ! will send them, with a summary OF next
weeks proceedings Those Of the legislative council
are as yet without interest. G.