New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-18
OPENING OF THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT

ToRoS1o Friday, Feb. IS, 1855.
This day, at 81 o'clock p. m., his Excellency the
Governor General proceeded in state to the Chamber
of the Legislative Council, in the Parllamo,,t Build
irg. The members Of the Legislative Council being
assembled his Exocliency Was pleased to command
the attendance Of the Legislative Assembly and the
House being present, his Exccllency was pleased 10
open the second session Of the fifth Parliament Of the
Province of Canada, with the following speech from
tie throre:
SPEECH.
Hon o, 81 TaE TIE LE:S47s SogSc AID
The subject OF change IN the constitution of the
Legislative Council, byrendering it elective will az ain
be brought before you.
A measure for the organization of provisional po-
lice capable Of being applied by the Crown for the
prevention Of crime and the speedy apprehension Of
offenders deserves your attention and consideration
The increasing wealth and prosperity OF the country
demand increased protection for property and the
by the strict enforcement Of law and by the perfect
sense Of security from outrage. 1t il to you that
mutt look for the power Of nsuring that great effect.
| have spoken of our increasing prosperity. No
mark o. its existence be stronger than that az
forded by our extended lines OF railway; Is this
progress confined to section Of the Province. East
ward to St. Thomas, and westward TO Guelph and
Hamilton, these lines at once the sign ana the cause
of progress are already completed. i may con-
pratuate YOU on the fact that since yOur last meeting
nearly go miles have been got into working order
while it is hoped that not less than $50 more viii be
finished before next year.
With regard to the Militia Act the ready loyalty Of
the Inhabitants both in Upper and Lower Canada, has
enabled me TO authorize the formation of numbers OF
troops and companies Of volunteers whose conduct and
discipline will undoubtedly do credit to the Province.
have moreover with the assistance of the Adiutant-
General done my best to carry out your wishes bY or
ganizng the sedentary militia.
The Government, IN pursuance OF the wishes OF the
Legislature, has taken itself TO conclude fresh ar
rarpement calculated TO secure line of ocean steamers
from the st. Lawrence to England.
During the approaching session you will find that our
finances are in a satisfactory state The people at
large have reaped the benefits of those reductions in
the customs duties which you made last year. The
dminuon in the receipts consequent on such reduc-
tons nearly correspond with the calculations submitted
caused by the Reciprocity treaty with the United States
but conceive that any such apparent loss Is more than
compensated by the increased commerce ana by the
facility of intercourse between the two countries.
Hon. GEETLRMEE-Tbe year Just closed has been
one of difficulty and conflict in Europe. On this side
Of the Atlantic we have by the blessing of Providence
escaped the direct evils of war; in no part however,
of the Queens dOmnions has deeper sympathy with
her arms been shown fervent prayers Tor their
success offered than in Canada. Our people have Gag
ery watched every turn of the contest and-cOnsistlng
az they do of men of French and English origin equal
members of the same community, and local subjects OF
the same Queen-they have been gricved at the sui-
ferinps and exalted in the success of the Allied
amy. In like manner should it please God to esta0-
lish firm and honorable peace, Canada Will, DOUBT
not rejoice at the termination OF the war May II Do
INV lot before the end of the present Session, to con-
graduate you on 30 suspicious an event.