The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-10
Affairs In Lower Canada.
OUR QUEBEC CORRESPONDENCE.


QUEBEC, March l, 1855.
The Prohibitory Liquor Lao Before the House-Re
Organizing the Ailiia-Report BY Government Com
missioners Thereon, de-
Although the Legislature has been in session full
week. they have yet done nothing Until to-day they
have sat but two three hours read the orders
the day. listened to occasional informal debate upon
matter OF little Importance and adjourned to enjoy
Themselves with their friends, at their hotels
might prove most n accordance with their tastes.
One question only has elected anything like ami
mated debate. The question Of Prohbitory Liquor law
similar to that before the legislature of the State of
New York is before the House. and the proposition Of
the gentleman having charge of that it should 60 into
committee Of the WHOLE rather interesting discussion
That the bill viii pass the Assembly doubt
entertained although the motives by which gentlemen
influenced in voting for it wide the poles
asun6er Some impellei by horror of the evils OF
intemperancs and conscientious conviction that this
measure provides certain and only remedy others,
duly impressed with the evils entaled By the tipping
ussges, willing, while entertaining serious doubts
to the efficacy Of such measure, to give it
fair trial; and more are induced by pressure from
without against which they have not the moral
courage to contend. The latter class of persons
in hopes that the bill will be thrown out by the L.
gsative Council or passed there vetoed by the Co.
vernon From all can learn, however, they likely
to be disappointed and is quite probable that before
thee months aProhibtory Liquor law win be placed upon
the statute book of Canada.
The commissioners appointed by the government to in
vesgate and report upon the best of organic
ing the militia of Canada, have handed in their report.
1t throws cold water upon the establishment Of regular
provincial army although the system mended by
them may be regarded very closely approaching it.
they the most efficient mode be adopt
ed the establishment of volunteer troops OF militia
vary field batteries and foot companies of artillery and
companies Of infantry, armed as riaemen The de-
fence Of the province they from the nature Of the
country depend mainly upon artillery and infantry
and they recommend the of sixteen Of
cavalry field batteries Of artillery Ave foot compa-
MES Of artillery and fifty companies Of riaemen amount.
round numbers to 40a7 Of all arms for volunteer
bres and pistols the field batteries Of artillery with two
Eix-Pounder guns and two twelve howtzers for each
battery and eight percussion bines to be supplied
TO every field battery, also sabre to every gunner
and driver The foot companies of artillery armed
with percussion fusils and bayonets and the infantry
companies with the best description of MIME rife and
bayonet The volunteer companies will be required to
drill ten consecutive days in each years, the artillery
also 10 hold themselves in readiness assist the au-
thortes In quelipg riots or repelling invasion As
general rule 1t Is recommended that the be in
the possession OF the individual members of the
papy.
In addition the volunteer corps pr, osed to es
tAeish sedentary militia, all persons from Is to 40
years Of age to be the class composing the battaons
Persons over that age are not to be required
to act except in of urrection The militia
tits mmeHded should be divided into divisions
the FIRST 10 be called "service men, composed a1
bachelors and widowers without children the second
reserve men, to consist OF all married men wi
dow with children When il is considered that there
are, according to the last census 927 bachelors in
Lower Canada and III 1872 in Upper 1t will be seen that
the service will be force. Inasmu CHI as
there certain portions of the liable to
invasion than Others the report recommends that
such localities the militia be kept under arms and at
all times ready for active service For the service Of the
ed to be deposited in the different Armores throughout
the country and like number at Montreal Kingston,
and Quebec. The Commissioners entertain the most
confident hopes that the imperial government would be
disposed to furnish the ornaments for the militia.
1T is further recommended that sufficient force
should be placed permanent duty at Fort
Wellington, Prescott for the purpose Of protecting that
work and the arms, &C. proposed to BE- placed it. in
Of its proximity to the frontier of the United
States.o provincial marine is also recommen ded and
regular police force similar to the constabulary force
OF Ireland is pronounced the most feasible plan pre-
venting the gross lack Of discipline the part of the
police and the disturbances that have occurred.
The government intend introducing bill during the
present session to give legislative effect the
mendatons Of the Commissioners. The withdrawal Of
the troops by the imperial government has forced upon
the ministry the consideration of this question There
Ia one thought that cannot fail to suggest it's on
perutal OF the report Of the Commissioners which Ia
that an instructive dread OF invasion from the United
States seems to be felt God forbid that anything
should arise TO require the brothers friends
the United States and Canada to imbrue their hands
each others blood,