The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-13

70 the same constituency - the Assembly fsr re-
election No man could IegislAte independently I'M
the system OF republic, while the safeguards OF
age and property qualification for members OF the
Council were inadequate and ilusory. Lord Elgin,
in his despatch Of July l. had pointed out the diff
cuities and dangers Of any attempt to combine two
elective chambers with system Of government con-
Quoted on the rules of British constitutional prac-
tice; and on the authority Of the GovernorGeneral
himself, he asked how the govern uent Of Canada
was to be carried on, under such circumstance
in q spirit and manner consistent with the monarv
chical principle? (Hear, hear.) He denied that they
veto ofthe crown would be sufficient in such sys-
tenn, to operate as safeguard against rash and i'll
considered legislation. Having stated several minor
objections to the proposal, he asked bow it WAS in
tended to be put into execution How was IT to be
carried He did not imagine that the Legislative
Assembly alone were to adopt this change in the
constitution of Canada Then they must obtain the
assent of the Legislative Council. But the Legisla-
tive Council had recorded plain terms, their de-
termination not to agree 30 the measure; and he
called attention to the fact that the Legislative
Council had existing rights which could only be
got rid OF by some act of comparative violence.
clear, hear) But If this measure were applied to
Canada how could it be refused to the other North
American coloniesl He confessed he had anticipa-
ted the time when those colonies might form great
federation, possessing monarchical Institutions, and
ruled over either by ricer0y or some individual
nearly connected with the British throne but the
adoption of this bill would destroy that hope, for it
would lead to republican institutions, and to final
separation lIOH Lns country. (heAr, neaf) Inc
noble earl in conclusion, said be did not ask for the
rejection Of the BILL but only for more time for its
mature consideration (Cheers.)
The Duke of NEwcAsTIH, in reply, said that in not
making a statement OF the provisions OF the bLl
pon the motion for the first reading, he had acted
IN accordance with the ordinary practice; and that
all tie papers essential to due comprehension Of
the question had been presented to Parliament be-
fore the second reading He denied that more time
required in Canada for the consideration of the
question; and commended that the powers which
the Imperial Parliament had transferred to the egis-
ature Of Canada had been attended with the greatest
advantage IN producing spirit OF concilaton and
respect. lHear, hear) Abiding to an assertion
OF Lord Derby's that attempts were being made
IN Canada for the seculafiZaticn of the clergy
reserves, he assured their lordships that no
such proposal had been made either in the legis-
lature, or by any person in authority. Speaking
of the constitution Of the Legislative Council, be
admitted that nominated chamber possessed, up.
parently, something of the form OF House Of
Lords; but he was prepared to maintain that nomi.
nee chambers, In whatever colonies they were
found, were gradually losing the respect of the peo
pie, from the impression that they were the mere
tools of the government of the day. (Heer, bear.)
The only alternative, then, an elective cham
her, and he contended that in this respect the quail
hcations required from the members Of the Council
TO be elected under the bill would insure the per
manence Of the conservative principle. 1t was
asked how the act was TO be carried into effect. He
adopted if the people Of Canada desired It, If their
opinion was against the BILL the Legislative Coun-
Gil would properly resist it; but If their opin-
ion was favorable, the Council would give ef-
principle Of the measure was not new, for it had
been extended by this country, among Others to the
Cape OF Good Hope, and to the colony Of Victo-
ria The opinions Of distinguished statesmen had
been quoted against an electiye chamber. To this
ne replied that the opinions of public men had
greatly progressed on these SUBJECTS and that the
apprehensions felt in 1887 and ls4O had been proved
however, surprised to hear the opinion Of Lord Dur
ham quoted in favor of a nominee body. and he
read several passages from reporie written by that
statesman, to show that his convictions were Of
totally opposite character. Taking larger view
of the question, he urged the advantage of placing
confidence in the people Of Canada. All the mea-
sures hitherto passed by the British Parliaments
with this view had been eminently successful; for,
instead OF rancorous hatred against the mother
| country as before, there wasnow wholesome party
spirit, without which representative institutions
could not be worked; and the Legislature of Canada
was dcvoting its attention to practical measures Of
| public utility. Under these circumstances he ap-
pealed to their lordships not to agree to the noble
| earls proposition. Clear, hear.)
Lord Sr. LBoNARps coDtended that the measure
nom the control OF the crown; and that, il once
passed. the same concession must be made to every
other colony. In showing the advantages of an cleo
! tive council, Lord Durham supposed the necessity
Of checks upon the Legislative Assembly, but this
bill afforded none: and he further objected to it be-
cause 1t changed the disposition of power over the
the reserves OF the Canadian clergy provided in the
act Of last session. (Hear, hear.)
The Earl Of NARROWLY entertained strong opin-
ion that was essential to change the constitution
OF tho Council from nominated to an elective char
acter But instead Of coniding the election to the
popular vote It should be given to property, and
having thus devised good elective chamber, the
body so constituted should have the control OF the
intuIe constitution OF the country. He should vote
for the poetponement Of the bill. (Hear)
The Earl of DERBY then replied, and their lord
ships divided. The numbers were
For going into committee ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. IS
Majority ..............................21
Their lordships consequently went into commit
tee upon the BILL and all the clauses we're agreed to
without amendment.
The house then adjourned.
From the london Times, June 3o,l
To grant the prayer Of the
Canadian people is not to rush into gratuitous diff
tlcnty On the contrary, our present relations are
diticut and the very instances which Lord Derby
last night took such pleasure In recalling to our
memory prove the utter absurdity of attempting to
govern three millions Of people on the other side Of
me world more na ,t than they desire Lord Derby s
were touched to the quick at having to give an
express sanction TO the Canadian Rebellion Losses
bill, and that for the resumption Of the unappro-
priated clergy reserves. We do not quite assent
TO this view of the subject; but, even if it be so,
what follows? Are we TO lay up for ourselves
perpetual Md Of disappointment by maintaining
and otherwise keeping It in leading-strings
longer than Il lkes9 No parent will demand I'M
qualified submission from his son, or will keep him
at home, If 1t Is not quite agreeable him. unless
he wishes to break his sons heart and his own also
u he makes the attempt he win bring on himself
the difficulty of either thwMting his son past all
bearing, or complying at the expense Of his own
opinion and scltrespect II is so still more when
the parent is an empire and the child is three mil
lions Of our own race, in possession Of half con-
tinenf, and utterly out Of our control. We are
forced into this general mode Of dealing with tho
question, for that is the mode Lord Derby has
adopted. He tells u We are giving the Canad-
ans democratic constitution, and that We are
surrendering>a certain hold we now possess in
her Legislature, and o certain security in the
Independent and exclusive character OF the Upper
House. We are forced to answer that we cannot
maintain hnid or it'll hon Ia nfrifn