The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-30
Interesting from Canada.
OUR QUEBEC CORRESPONDENCE.

QUEBEC March %, 1855.
The Progress Of the Militia Bil-Withdraoal Of Pro-
lection from The Home estirg Debate
on Annexation and american Fiti6ustering-The War
in the Crimed-Seat Of Government.
The Militia bill has passed a second reading the minis
try having majority Of fifty against the motion Of Mr..
Holm, member for the city of Montreal, for six
months postponement The question debated for
two days. and the discussion embraced the whole scope
Of highlands colonial policy The bill very generally
regarded by the opposition the first step towards in
dependent sovereignty, annexation to the United
States II very positively affirmed by the opposition,
and quite positively denied by the ministry that GER
tain correspondence had taken place between the British
and Canadian governments, evncng the part of the
former disposition to withdraw all protection and
troll from the province The ministry laid upon the
table minute relative to conversation between
Mr. Hncks and the Duke of Newcastle having reference
TO the withdrawal Of the troops and the cedng this
country Of the ordnance lands Of the They stout
y contended that further correspondence had taken
they could bring down, aud that the House must be
tshed 1t will however, be remembered that on the
Parliament relative to recalling the troops from III.
colonies, Sir George Grey distinctly stated that
pondence was gong on with the Canadian government
the subject Either Grey deceived the imperial Par
lament Sir Allan McNab deceving the Legislative
Assembly and, from all the circumstances strongly
disposed to believe the latter to be the case That
secret correspondence has been and going on there
exist doubt and the apprehension Of the people
relative the secret import OF that correspondence will
not be aayed by the refusal of the pub
lsh it.
tits strongly suspected that the author in Downing
street desire TO force the county its Defence
in time Of war; and that the consideration for ass umng
such position is be the cession of very valua Die
be disposed to assume any such burden Is very pro-
blematica We're they ndependent--had they the
power to declare war to maintain peace-did they
cupy place among nations, aud enjoy the privileges
and rights CT independent soveregntythen with great
propriety might they be called upon and with perfect
Wiling ness would they consent TO maintain an army
for the suppression of civil discord within and the re-
pelpg Of invasion from without. But rs it is they feel
II not to De desirable TO organize and sustain military
department evidently for war purposes, when the
stenee OF an efficient constabulary force would be ample
for all civil purposes
poson OF your people, appear to be the great bugbear
with the English and Canadian governments. During
the discussion the attack upon Cuba the affair at Navy
Island, and the invasion Of Mexico, frequently
ferred to- as aordng no uncertain indication Of Amer
can policy The prospect OF an attack from the other
side of the line is TO take their statements
gospe-ever before the minds Of extra loyal popu
aton and the terrible pictures drawn Of American DIS
honesty and nbustero invasion had effect Ia In.
huencing the vote. The peaceabe intentions Of the
American people seem seriously to be doubted by
less enlightened people and the prejudice is abundanty
played upon to secure success to the government
meature.
One thing was remarkable in the debate-ths mem.
bers opposed TO the ministry and opposed TO the
sure ade hesitation in avowng their annexation
procvites Even persons who have hitherto been set
down as extreme uttered sentiments OF rather
doubtful loyalty In the event of war between England
and the United States Canadians IL may adge
opinions in the House would hesitate before involving
themselves IN opposition to their immediate neighbours
SO strongly this brought out by of the oppo
siton, and forciby did 1t fall upon the House. that
the ministry compelled TO promise that the clause
requiring the militia in OF emergency 70 20
foreign service should be dropped. The ministry pro
missed certain other notifications and by this
secured the very large vote they dda which took
even themselves by surprise,
Mr.. Hincks last evening attempted TO induce the
House TO vote bounty Of one hundred Of land to
any person who would be willing in the Crmsa.
The motion, however met with but little sympathy and
in order TO avoid defeat was withdrawn. Our people
bad objection vote ego 900 the Patriotic fund
throughout their municipalities they have shown
equal hberahty-but il was too much 10 ask them 10
vote away their lands bounty TO those who should
leave the country proposition TO encourage settle
ment by granting hundred acres of land to every
actual settler from abroad, would have met with much
more general support,
The question Of the OF government Is at present
on the tpis, and o. course shcits immense amour.
OF ehsehng Every mans object Is TO secure the liked
seat as near as possible TO his domic and there
are now no less than ave motions before the Char
Montreal viii probably be tho permanent seat Of govern
nent though Parliament will be removed 10 Toronto next
! fall, 10 remain for four wears