country of showing to him that although we are many miles distant from our parent land, although many of us have not had the privilege of seeing the land of our fathers, yet that our hearts beat right loyally to the British Crown; that we have an attachment to the land of our fathers; and he (Mr. MCDOUGALL), as a Canadian, was proud of having had the opportunity of paying his respects, of showing his allegiance to the representative of HER MAJESTY, and of showing to him at the same time the deep attachment we have for British institutions, and the loyal and lasting devotion that we have to the British Crown. His EXCELLENCY has likewise had an opportunity of seeing the working of our institutions -institutions that were created by our Canadian statesmen, he was proud to say. | He has had the opportunity of seeing the working of our Municipal institutions, the opportunity—to a limited extent probably -but still an opportunity of seeing the working of our educational institutions. These were all the creatures, so to speak, of Canadian Statesmanship, and the evidence he then received, and that he has no doubt borne home to England, will have the effect of impressing the Mother Country with a strong belief that the newer Britain is not unworthy of the parent stem from which it has sprung. Another question, which was one that a new country like ours is worthy of the most serious consideration, is immigration. He was glad to know that this Government had taken a very active part in this direction, and that they had done, were still doing, and promised to do all that they possibly could towards bringing into this country a healthy immigration. He wished to see people of every clime and country, come to us and see our country filled up, and when they did come here, he wished them to feel that they had a home among us, that there shall be no discrimination as to creed or nationality, that they will find here equal rights for all, to feel that they are Canadians, to feel that when they are here they will become citizens of the country and part of its people. After all what is a country made of? It is made of people. If we have no people we have no country, and to make a country we must have people; we must have people to come here. We have people now, no doubt, but we must throw Mr. Colin McDougall.

open the doors and say to the nations of
the world come to us, here is a country in
We ask
which you may make a home.
them to come here not as strangers or
sojourners in the land, but to become
citizens of the Dominion and to help us
build up a great nationality. Now, with
regard to the difficulty in the relations
British
between the Dominion and
Columbia, he was glad to see they were
happily dissipated, and he had no doubt
that the administration of the day would
do what they possibly could-and had
done so-to satisfy the people of that
remote Province, that we, in the most
central part are willing and anxious to aid
and assist them in every possible way to
give them such facilities as they may
require for attaining a way to the Atlantic
seaboard. The question of the North-
West troubles was one that was surrounded
It was one that
by no small difficulties.

a course

he did not propose at this time to discuss
at any great length, but he hoped a solu-
He had no doubt
tion would be found.
that the good nature, good judg-
this House
ment and liberality of
would enable us to work out such a solu-
tion as would not be derogatory to us as a
people; that while there would be a
vindication of the law, still, at the same
time, there would be such
adopted, as would give general satisfaction
to all, and that would secure permanent
peace hereafter, and that would have the
effect, in the course of time, of stopping
any ill-feeling, or any of those disturbing
causes that sometimes distract and rend in
pieces a nation. Before sitting down he
would take the liberty of congratulating
the hon. gentlemen on the treasury
benches on the popularity of their admin-
istration as evidenced by the elections
He believed
during the recent recess.
that with very few exceptions indeed-
and there had been a good many elections
during the recess the Administration
had been sustained. In some cases, it
was true, opponents of the Administration
had been elected. Some, under the Con-
troverted Elections Act, had to go before
their constituents again, and though some,
who were opponents of the Government
were able to get back again, yet they had
been returned with their respective
It must
majorities very much reduced.
be a matter of congratulation to the
members of the Administration to know

A

that while their policy had been before the country, and every opportunity had been afforded the people to criticise and discuss it, that appeal after appeal to the constituencies that were vacant had been successful with so very few exceptions, and this should be an encouragement to them to persevere in well doing. Notwithstanding the fact that they had the confidence of the country and the hearty support of the people, they were, at the same time, notified that they must be ever vigilant in discharging their duties that they were custodians of the people's interests, and that if they would retain the confidence of the people they must continue to be the exponents of their views. They must remember that so soon as they forfeit that confidence, it would be withdrawn from them. And he thought under our system of free institutions it was well the voice of the people should be so strongly felt. It had a healthy effect on the members of the House and on the proper working of our institutions. He was glad to notice that the financial affairs of the country had been administered in an economical way. The finances of the country were matters of the very first importance to the people, and if the money had been well expended, and the liabilities not unnecessarily increased, the people were always ready to congratulate and thank those who administered their affairs. It was very gratifying indeed to have the assurance contained in HIS EXCELLENCY's speech that the subject had received proper attention from his ministers, and he, (Mr. MCDOUGALL), sincerely trusted that the hopes it inspired would be fully realized by the facts. He thanked the House for the attention they had given him during his remarks, and concluded by seconding the motion made by his hon. friend, the member for Levis.

The Right Hon. Sir JOHN A. MACDONALD said it was his pleasing duty to congratulate the hon. gentlemen who had respectively moved and seconded the resolution in Mr. SPEAKER's hands, upon the able manner in which they had performed their task. It was a proverbially difficult thing to make bricks with out straw, and he must say for the hon. gentleman who had seconded the motion that his attempt to do so had been exceedingly successful. He had listened to that gentleman's speech with great pleasure, Mr. Colin McDougall.

|

This arose

but he must apologize to the mover for not being in a position to speak in the terms of his effort which he had every reason to believe it merited. from not being very familiar with the language. He had no doubt, however, that the duty was performed ably and well. The gentleman who seconded need not have apologised to the House for the manner in which he was able to address it; he was happy to be able to congratulate him upon his effort, and he hoped often to hear him. A Canadian statesman, now no more, remarked with regard to the division of labor between the Parliament of the Dominion and the Provincial Legislatures, that the day would come when the Speech from the Throne would include but a simple recommendation to pass the Supply Bill. We had not yet arrived at that point, but we had come near it this time. Looking at the bill of fare he must say it was rather a meagre one, not qualified to satisfy a hungry Parliament. He would allude shortly to some of the subjects referred to in the Speech. He did not propose to move any amendment, believing that the system should be adhered to which had prevailed in the Imperial Parliament of agreeing to it as a matter of form, without undue delay, so that the House might proceed at once to business. The practice of discussing the Speech from the Throne at great. length, and of raising endless issues upon it was simply an obstruction to the business. It was his opinion that, unless the Opposition were in a position to move a vote of want of confidence in the Government, which he candidly confessed they were not in a position to do on this occa. sion, the Address should be passed without delay. His hon. friend, who had seconded the Address, congratulated the gentlemen on the Treasury Benches on their popularity in the country, as displayed during the recent elections. It was certainly matter for congratulation, could it only be shown to be the fact. He would leave to the House and the country to judge whether the hon. gentleman's estimate was correct in that respect or not. The second paragraph of the Address alluded to the organization of the North-West Police Force. They must all be pleased to learn that the Act put into force the other year had been so successful, and that the operation of the force had had such a beneficial effect.

representation of our monarchical institutions in their most perfect and loveable form. In every speech he made, in every step he took, on every occasion upon which he had any communication with any of HER MAJESTY'S subjects in the West, his conduct was admirable. His most eloquent speech-that delivered at Toronto-containing a résumé of his experiences in the West, was a monument to his ability and capacity in every respect to hold the high position he now did, as representing Her Gracious Majesty, QUEEN VICTORIA among her Canadian subjects. The attention of the House was called to the proposed creation of a Supreme Court. He had no doubt that this was intended to be the court contemplated in the Act of

The measure introduced in 1873, as stated necessary for Parliament to do anything by himself at the time, was an experi- of the kind, as it would destroy the confimental one, and would involve in all pro- dence of the Indians in us. He desired it bability, from time to time, some improve- to be fully understood that all such treament and amendment. The Speech had ties must be submitted to Parliament for not disclosed whether the Government its consideration and approval. In referhad found it necessary to alter the consti- ence to the official tour of HIS EXCELLENCY tution of that force or otherwise. This the GOVERNOR GENERAL in the West, it paragraph of the Speech, he repeated, was was admitted by universal consent that it a very important one, and he hoped the had been a triumphal march from beginGovernment would be in a position to lay ning to end. HIS EXCELLENCY had prebefore the House, during the present Ses-sented to the people of this country a sion, and as early as possible, some report from the officers in command of the force which would show the progress they had made, their experience of the North-West, their difficulties, their troubles. and the results of the expedition generally; so that the House might be informed of their value as well of their disadvantages. One of these advantages, according to the Speech, was that it largely reduced the military force in the North-West. That, of course, was a matter for congratulation, but he hoped the reduction had not been obtained at the expense of the sense of security which existed up to that time in that country. He reminded the House of the purpose of the late Government in proposing to appoint that expedition, and believed it would be well at least to retain | Confederation. so much of the military force as would be sufficient to preserve order, in case the police should at any time fail in their duty. He presumed, although there was no mention of it in the Address, that the papers with regard to the Treaty with the Cree and Sauteux Indians would be laid before the House, and that the sanction of the House would be asked thereto. There was no question of greater importance than the peaceable government of the North-West, and the maintenance of friendly relations between the executive of Canada and the aboriginal inhabitants of that country. He hoped when the Treaty was sent down to Parliament that it would prove to be a fair one in every way to the Indians, and that there would be no opportunity given to them, or to those who were considered their guardians, that a hard bargain had been driven by the Government. It would be exceedingly unfortunate if the Treaty were absolute in its terms, since Parliament could veto it at any time if they considered it had been made without due consideration. It would e ver y unfortunate, however, if it were Hon, Sir John A. Macdonald.

The subject had already

been before Parliament; it had engaged the attention of the late Government ; it had engaged himself as Minister of Justice for a considerable time. He had stated, when the subject was previously before Parliament; that it would be difficult, in his opinion, to obtain a court that would be satisfactory to all parts of the Dominion —chiefly on account of the Province of Quebec. He hoped that these difficulties had been overcome, and from the fact of the measure being in the hands of his hon. friend, the Minister of Justice, who came from that Province of HER MAJESTY'S Canadian Dominion, he believed they would be. He might add that they were the causes which delayed his own action in the same direction. He scarcely understood, however, how this court could be essential for the settlement of constitutional questions. In England the only tribunal for the settlement of constitutional questions was the High Court of Parliament, and in Canada it was this House, subject, of course, to the limitation of our powers by the Act of Confedera tion; and reference on special subjects to

which he had intended to inaugurate in the manner of administering the public affairs, by which he thought it probable that he would be able to relieve the country from the additional taxation then imposed. There was no mention made of that here. With regard to the subject of immigration, he was glad to learn that the Government had fully developed their scheme, and that, instead of having the different Provinces running counter to the Dominion and each other, they would henceforth be found working together. He hoped the papers on this subject would be laid before the House. Speaking generally, he was bound to say that the Speech did not contain reference to many subjects, and that it was generally characterized as one containing remarkably little. It might probably be fair to say that it was as remarkable for what it did not contain as for what it did contain, especially when it made no reference to the Reciprocity Treaty. At the opening of last Session the Speech from the Throne announced that negotiations had been entered upon with the view to the consummation of such a treaty, and it was again alluded to in the Speech at progrogation. Although it had caused what might almost be called a crisis in the financial relations of the two countries, it was left out of the question on this occasion. It was scarcely treating the country fairly that some mention was not made of it. He concluded, however, that this was owing to the fact that at the time the Speech was drafted the final action of the United States on the subject had not been taken, and that it could not be alluded to before the United States had os disposed of it. Since that time that final action had been taken, and the hon. gentlemen on the Treasury benches had thereby been relieved of much trouble. He had no doubt the hon. gentleman at the head of the Government thought, now that the subject was disposed of, to lay all the papers before Parliament, so that the House and country might have an opportunity of discussing it, and, as this question may come up again, or another treaty might be made or pledge made, that the Government of the day and all Governments might know what were the opinions of the representatives of the people on that most important subject; which portions of the treaty were in accordance with the opinion of Parliament, and what portions

the arbitrament of the Imperial authori-,
ties. So far as he was able to judge, the
court could only decide upon simply legal
questions; they would see, however, what
was proposed to be done when the
measure was before the House. A
measure was also promised on the subject
of insolvency. It was not stated whether
the Bill would be a mere alteration of the
present law or not, but the Government,
as a whole, had apparently given it their
consideration, and were to introduce and
carry a law settling the whole question.
The hon. the First Minister, a few years
ago, was of opinion that it was expedient
to expunge from the Statute Book alto-
gether anything in reference to a bank-
rupt law.
He did not know whether the
hon. gentleman held that opinion still.
With respect to the reorganization of the
Government of the North-West, that was
a subject of some importance. The Pacific
Railway was also a subject which involved
the consideration of such great and impor-
tant principles bearing upon the future as
well as the present prosperity of the coun-
try, that he would follow the example of
the seconder of the Address, and not
make any
remark in respect of it till the
House was in a position to consider the
subject with all the papers before it. He
was of opinion that these papers should
be brought down and considered in con-
nection with the communications which had
passed between the Government and the
authorities in British Columbia in reference
to the same subject. There was one thing
he had to say to this clause, and that was
that it appeared to pledge the House to
an approval of the course taken by the
Government in regard to this whole sub-
ject. When that paragraph was moved
he would therefore ask that it be entered
as carried on a division. We then came
to the paragraph which referred to the
finances of the country, and all were of
course glad that the estimates to be
brought down had been prepared with
every regard to economy. No allusion
was made to the state of the revenue.
He thought it would have been kindly to
the country and fair to the House had
some such reference been made, in view
of the statements of the Finance Minister
last session. It was not found from the
Address that there was to be any altera-
tion in the tariff. Last session the Minis-
ter of Finance had spoken of reforms
Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald.

were

at

80

The

worthy of or sition had referred at considerable length condemnation, all events of disapprobation; to the police force in the North-West, that in the event of any saying that the Government had not 'affuture attempt being made to resume forded information as to the details conthe negotiations, the Government of the nected with that force. That was quite day, and the negotiators might be armed true; but the House would be placed in with the opinion of Parliament, with res- possession, at the earliest possible mopect to the clauses of that treaty. Rocksment, of all information in the hands of might be avoided by having an expression | the Government. The hon. gentleman of the House as to which of the stipula- had laid some stress on the question tions in the treaty were worthy of, and whether the police force would in itself be would meet with the acceptance of Parlia- a success, meaning in its constitution and ment, and what clauses would receive con- in its ability to perform the duties resideration, if it had been a final and bind- quired of perhaps a military force. Well, ing treaty between England, Canada and there was no doubt that difficulties had the United States. He hoped the hon. arisen, not certainly very serious, in congentleman would find an opportunity, if ducting the operations of that force with not during the discussion on the Address, merely civil power at its command. Many at the earliest period afterwards, to give were of opinion that it would be exceedthe usual explanations in regard to the ingly difficult to maintain a police force reconstruction of his Government. He acting in a semi-military capacity. It was recalled to the memory of the leader of a subject which had engaged the very the Government an omission that was serious attention of the Government at made during last session. When the Ad- the time the force was organized under dress was being discussed, he called upon the existing Act, and it became a grave the hon. gentleman for the usual Minis- question whether they should not combine terial explanations as to the formation of with the force, part of the military force, the Government, and as to the withdrawal then in existence, and thus obtain a civil of certain of its members. Those expla- force with a military character. nations were promised to be given at a Government felt, however, it was due to fitting time, and although he (SIR JOHN the wisdom of Parliament in framing that MACDONALD) pressed for them, on the measure that they should give the Police suggestion, he thought, of the member for Force as constituted by the Act of the Chateauguay, they were postponed, and hon. gentleman now leading the Opposithe PREMIER promised to make them im- tion a fair trial before they should make mediately afterwards. That promise was any serious change. They also felt it was not fulfilled. They might as well have not expedient as a matter of public policy the explanations this session as the last, to constitute a standing army if it could That had been the because, from a constitutional point of possibly be avoided. view, it was of importance that no change, policy of the country, and the military either of more or less importance in its force that had existed in that country was nature, should be made in the personnel of maintained owing to local irritation and the Government, without Parliament troubles in that country; and it was now being informed of the reasons which in- felt to be exceedingly desirable that as duced her members either to join a Gov- soon as possible that military force should ernment or to withdraw therefrom. be removed and the Province be placed in exactly the same position as the other Provinces of the Dominion, military force only being made available to aid the civil force when required. He hoped the hon. gentleman's remarks were not correct when he expressed a fear that the Government had so largely reduced that police force, and not duly considered the necessities that might exist or arise for its continuance and perpetuation. He did not think there was anything in the recent history of the country to justify an opin

Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE said he had no reason to find fault with the remarks of the leader of the Opposition on the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. He had complained that the bill of fare was rather meagre; the Government would endeavor to supplement it in such a way as to satisfy his inordinate desire for a large bill. If the hon. gentleman did not approve of the number of dishes he might approve of the quality of those produced. The leader of the OppoHon. Sir John A. Macdonald.