The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-29

CANADIAN AyRAns.-Our readers will have
learned, by the Geographic despatch which we
published yesterday. that the Legislative Coun-
Gil Of Canada have, by rather more than two
thirds vote-which is required by the Union
Act-concurred in the bill for increasing the
representation Of the province, but have re-
jected that which, while it professed to abolish
the seignorial tenure. would in reality have
perpetuated that institution, and at an enor-
nous expense to the province, thus disposing of
two of the very important measures that have
recently occupied, or which continue to occupy,
the attention of the Canadian Legislature.
The representation bill increases the number
Of members of the Assembly from eighty to one
hundred and thirty-who, however, are not to
be returned upon the basis of population-both
sections Of the province having the same num-
Der of representatives, and consequently an un-
due influence is thereby given to the French
Canadian population of Lower Canada. the inju-
rious effects Of which are becoming every day
more apparent, but which is essential to the
existence of the present government II will
be recollected that there was q call of the
Legislative Council early in the present month;
BIT the members of the government, finding
that, Notwithstanding there was q rather full
attendance, yet the measure would not be car
ried, adroitly postponed its further considera-
ton till a reinforcement could be brought up,
and in this way secured its success.
The bill abolishing the seignorial tenure in
Lower Canada, although introduced into the
House Of Assembly by the Attorney General,
who is q member Of the government, is not,
however, government measure, and conse-
quently its rejection by the Legislative Council
cannot be considered as defeat, although it
will deprive them Of large amount Of patron
age.
During the discussion in the House Of Assem-
bly,. counsel on behalf of the seigniors was
heard at the bar of that body and SO powerful
an opposition was raised by the parties who are
interested that the Attorney General, for the
purpose Of carrying the bill, had to introduce
clause providing remuneration to the seigniors
for the surrender of rights which, it is general
ly admitted. they had no legal authority for
exercising. This would have required the ap-
pointment Of commission for the examina-
ton Of claims, afFording ample means for pro-
viding for favorites and supporters, which they
seem to understand fully as well in Canada as
at Washington, and the entire cost to the pro-
vince would, in all probability, have exceeded
million of dollars.
The principal objection to the bill, as modified
and altered, during its passage through the As
hot hn
segnorial tenure, but rather would have the
effect of perpetuating it's continuance Still,
had the bill passed, imperfect as it was. it
would have had beneficial effect-particularly
at the present moment when the Introduction
of railroads into Lower Canada is about to lead
to an extensive immigration from Great Britain
as it would have thrown open that portion of
the province for settlement, by compelling the
seigniors to concede their wild lands at rea-
sonable rate, allow the purchaser to erect mills,
and avail himself of the water privileges of his
locality. and to act in such manner as he might
conceive conducive to his own interests which
he cannot do at present.
1t would occupy too much time and space to
enter more fully into the details of this subject;
but if Lower Canada is ever to assume lis pro-
per position it can only be effected by uproot-
ing and destroying the feudal tenure.