he need say nothing, as they were pretty generally recognised; but he would take the liberty of reading an extract from a speech of Lord CARNARVON in addressing the Canadian team at Wimbledon last year. His Lordship said :-"It afforded him the greatest pleasure to see them all at Wimbledon. He was informed that the men came from all the Provinces of Canada, and that they, therefore, represented well the Dominion. He was in receipt of letters at the Colonial Office from day to day which showed a strong desire on the part of the Canadian people to have their militia made in every respect thoroughly efficient for the protection of the Dominion.' Mr. ROSS (Prince Edward) observed. that, while his` hon. friend from Niagara appeared as an advocate of the gentlemen branch of the service, he (Mr. Ross) wished to say a word on behalf of the privates, upon whom, in case the tug of war ever came, we would have mainly to depend. He did not approve of devoting a large sum to rifle associations to the exclusion of the more important branches. of the service, as many of the members of such associations, if war ever came, might never handle a rifle. It would be much better if the Government would encourage target practice among the volunteers by offering prizes to battalions, and he hoped a large portion of this vote would be spent in that way. Hon. Mr. VAIL thought the hon. member for Pontiac might rest satified that the Government would make a grant to the Wimbledon Team, but he could make no more definite promise at present. Item concurred in; also, items 62 and 64. Hon. Mr. MITCHELL called attention to that portion of the report of Major General SMYTH, in which he recommended the purchase of an additional quantity of fire-arms. The Department, he understood, had already on hand a large number of fire-arms, and he did not see the necessity of making additions to them, especially when it was remembered that experiments were continually going on in relation to the improvement of fire-arms, and it might be that before the Government required to use them a more efficient Mr. Wright. HOUSE OF COMMONS, Monday, 1st March, 1875. The SPEAKER took the chair at three P.M. INTEREST AND USURY IN NEW BRUNSWICK. to interest and usury in the Province of Mr. PALMER introduced a Bill relating New Brunswick. He explained that the object of the Bill was to assimilate the law of New Brunswick on the subject of usury as nearly as possible to the law of Ontario and Quebec. In Nova Scotia the law was also different from that of New Brunswich, the legal rate being seven per cent., while in New Brunswick it was only six. The result was that persons in New Brunswick having money to lend when it Brunswick and send to Nova Scotia, where was dear, would withdraw it in New it could be permanently invested at He did not propose by this Bill to alter the law with reference to seven per cent. banks and corporations, nor did he proThe only object he had in view was to aspose that it should apply to the past. similate the law in New Brunswick to that of the other Provinces. Bill read a first time. LEVIS BOARD OF TRADE. Mr. FRECHETTE introduced a Bill to amend the Act incorporating the Board of Trade of the town of Levis. Bill read a first time. CLAIM OF MATTHEW SMITH. Mr. DOMVILLE asked what the Government intend to do in regard to the claims of MATTHEW SMITH of King's County, New Brunswick. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE.-I have inquired into this matter and the claim is still under adjudication by the Superintendent and the Engineer, and so soon as anything is recommended I will inform the hon. gentlemen. IMMIGRATION INTO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Mr. DE COSMOS asked-Have the Government made any special provision for the introduction of European or Canadian Immigrants into British Columbia during the construction of the Western Division of the Canada Pacific Railway, in order to provide a supply of labor other than Chinese ? Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE The Government have not taken any special means to introduce any class of immigrants into that country. LAWS IN REFERENCE TO INDIANS. Mr. PATERSON asked whether it is the intention of the Government, during the present Session, to introduce a Bill amending the existing laws in reference to Indians? Hon. Mr. LAIRD said it was not the intention of the Government to submit any Bill in respect to Indian laws this session. It was not deemed advisable to amend any further the laws without consolidating, as there were already six or seven statutes relating to Indian affairs, and it was thought advisable to give fuller consideration to the subject. Besides a deputation consisting of the President and Vice-President of the Indian Council had visited the capitol one or two weeks ago, and asked that the final settlement of this matter should be postponed until there was time to discuss the matter further among themselves. MARINE HOSPITALS AT SYDNEY. Mr. MACKAY (Cape Breton) asked whether it is the intention of the Government to take any steps towards the construction of the Marine and Maritime Hospitals at Sydney, for which appropriations were made last year; and if so, when the work would commence? Mr. Gillies. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE replied that a contract had been let and the work would be proceeded with as soon as the weather permitted. BREAKWATER AT COW BAY. Mr. MACKAY (Cape Breton) asked whether anything was to be done towards completing the arrangements which the Government were authorized to make, and which had been in part acted upon, respecting the breakwater at the foot of Cow Bay? Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE said that arrangements under the authority obtained last session would he expected, be completed within a day or two. When the supplementary estimates come down they would be explained to the House. LIGHT-HOUSE ON GUYON ISLAND. Mr. MACKAY (Cape Breton) asked whether the appropriation made last year for the erection of a light-house on Guyon Island, would be expended on its construction? Hon. Mr. SMITH said it was the intention of the Government to expend that amount together with a supplentary sum to be voted, and they expected the lighthouse to be completed during the approaching season. BREAKWATER AT PORT MAINE-A-DIEU. Mr. McDONALD (Cape Breton) asked whether the Government has considered the advisability of building a breakwater at the Port of Maine-a-Dieu, N. S., according to the report of the engineer. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE.-It has been considered and is still under consideration. AMENDMENT TO ACT RESPECTING pilotage. Hon. Mr. MITCHELL asked whether it was the intention of the Government, during the present session, to introduce an amendment to "An Act respecting Pilotage," by which the authority and powers of the Trinity House, Quebec, to deal with offences under Section 71, and other clauses of said Act shall be more clearly defined. Hon. Mr. SMITH said although he himself had no doubt as to the law, it was the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill on the subject. EXAMINATION OF HARBORS, ISLAND GRAND MANAN. Mr. GILLMOR asked whether it was the intention of the Government during the present year, to send a competent engineer to visit the island of Grand Manan, in the County of Charlotte, in New Brunswick, for the purpose of examining the harbors on the Island, with a view to the erection of Breakwaters or such other erections as may be required for the safety and protection of life and shipping. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE.-There was an estimate last year of $5,000 for a breakwater at a certain point on this Island, and a survey having been made, this sum was proved to be wholly inadequate, and the amount required to construct a breakwater at that par ticular place was so enormous as to make it quite inexpedient to expend any portion of the money voted. The Government intended during the coming season to have the coast examined with a view to determine on some more favorable point for a harbor. NOTES OF CHARTERED BANKS. we Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE-The Gov ernment have had interviews with several gentlemen in the locality, and with my that district, but they have not decided hon. friend himself as the member for upon doing anything this year, for this reason. The Rideau Canal last year cost the Government $53,000, while the entire revenue was less than $9,000. I felt that must be very careful to expend moneys that was not particularly called for. The bridge at this point crosses not the canal, but the River Rideau, and the bridging of the Rideau rests with municipalities on its borders. The river is raised somewhat, however, by using it as a canal, and it would be a question whether the Government would not in that rendered necessary by the additional case be prepared to meet the expenditure work on the margin of the river, and to aid, but no more. I asked the deputation that extent the Government would give to say what they were prepared to do, and we would consider the matter. have not made any proposition, and I have not felt myself justified in the public interest to make any advance, but I am prepared to consider any proposal that Mr. MACDOUGALL (East Elgin) may be made. asked whether it is the intention of the Government this session to introduce a Bill to amend Sections 4 of Cap. 11, 33 Vict., so as to permit the chartered banks of Canada to issue notes for less sums than four dollars each. Hon. Mr. CARTWRIGHT-It is not the intention of the Government. OFFICIAL ASSIGNEES. Mr. WHITE asked whether it is the intention of the Government to cancel all appointments of Official Assignees when the new Act comes into force or whether they will allow them to remain and only deal with new appointments as in cases of death or other causes. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE We will cancel whatever appointments may seem to be necessary in the public interest. BRIDGING THE RIDEAU RIVER. Mr. ROCHESTER asked whether it is the intention of the Government to build a bridge over the Rideau River at or near the village of Wellington, in the Township of North Gower in the County of Carleton. Mr. Gillmor. ST. PETER'S CANAL. They Mr. CAMPBELL asked whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with work on the St. Peter's Canal, and when. Hon. Mr. MACKENZIE. It is the intention, and so soon as possible. THE "HANSARD." M. CHEVAL demande si [dans le but de faire arriver les diverses nationalités de cette Confédération à se bien comprendre, à mieux s'instruire sur leurs besoins, droits et devoirs politiques, sur les vraies tendences, la valeur et le vrai caractère des hommes publics, de produire entr'elles la bonne entente et l'harmonie, toutes choses essentielles à la formation d'un grand peuple], le gouvernement a l'intention de faire en sorte que tous les débats de cette Chambre soient publiés dans les deux langues anglaise et française. Hon. M. FOURNIER En réponse à la question posée par l'hon. membre, je dois dire que la Chambre ayant pris sur elle le contrôle de la publication des débats, il appartient par conséquent à la Cham bre de faire les changements et les amélio- | years ago this tribe held their portion of rations qu'elle jugera à propos. Mr. CHEVAL asked whether (with a view to cause the different nationalities of this Confederation to arrive at a true mutual understanding and a better knowledge of their political requirements, rights and duties, and of the veritable tendencies, real worth and true character of public men, and of producing that good feeling and harmony between them which are essential to the formation of a great nation) it is the intention of the Government to take the necessary steps to cause the debates of this House to be | published in both the English and French languages. Hon. Mr. FOURNIER-The House having the entire control of the publication of the Hansard, it is for the House itself to declare whether the suggestion of the hon. member will be adopted or not. CONSOLIDATION OF THE STATUTES. Mr. BIGGAR asked whether it is the intention of the Government to take any steps towards securing a consolidation of the Dominion Statutes. Hon. Mr. FOURNIER-This question has been under consideration, but, as a period of ten years has not yet elapsed since Confederation, it has not been thought expedient to that end before the expiration of the period referred to. To avoid difficulties, however, the Government are considering the necessity of reprinting such of the old statutes as may yet remain in force. There are very few of them however. THE MISSISSAGUA INDIAN TRIBE. Mr. GORDON moved an address to HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR GENERAL for returns respecting that portion of the Mississagua Indian Tribe now settled upon Scugog Island. 1st. For the amount invested by the Dominion Government on their behalf in the lands which said Indians now occupy. 2nd. For the amount of all other funds with the several annual additions thereto which the Government has received from said Indians; showing how said funds are invested, at what rate of interest, and the several annual payments or donations made by Government to them since the first receipt and investment of said funds in the Indians' behalf. He explained that some Hon. Mr. Fournier. land to the north of Peterboro', in the CONSTITUTION OF THE SENATE. Mr. MILLS—I rise for the purpose of moving the resolution of which I have given notice, "That the House go into Committee of the the Whole to consider the following resolution : That the present mode of constituting the Senate is inconsistent with the Federal Principle in our system of Government, makes the Senate alike independent of the people and the Crown, and is in other material respects defective, and that our Constitution ought to be so amended as to confer upon each Province the power of selecting its own Senators and to define the mode of their selection." I introduced this resolution to the attention of the House last year, and the House did on that occasion go into committee to consider it, without any opposition being offered, or any division taken. I was assured that what was then done was not to be taken as an expression of the opinion of the House upon the resolution. I intimated then that it was my purpose when the House went into committee to suggest in detail a plan by which effect could be given to the views enunciated in this resolution. I have, therefore-because it was then stated that what was done was no indication of the opinions of the majority of the House-begun this year in precisely the same way as I did last. I again give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion upon the principles enunciated in this resolution. I have here stated what I think I shall be able to establish that the present mode of constituting the was Senate is inconsistent with the Federal | successful in undertaking to legislate for the Principle which underlies our sys-people except the people themselves symtem of Government. Our Government pathise with the Government in the work is declared to be a Government based upon in which they are engaged. Unless the the Federal principle, and it was so to be people at large feel an interest in what understood and carried out, excepting in has been done by the Legislature, the so far as the constitution itself has intro- legislation is not likely to be successful in duced other and different elements. I its working; and there certainly can be think, Sir, when we examine our constitu- no such thing as direct Parliamentary tion, we will find that there have been responsibility where there is not felt a some departures from this principle in strong interest in the work in which the three or four particulars. First, in the Legislature is engaged. I am satisfied that constitution of the Senate; second, in the our past experience under the old Legisprovisions of a tentative character, by lative Union of Canada is sufficient to which the Local Legislatures are author- establish this proposition. Before the ized to divest themselves of the power of system of responsible government legislating upon the subject of property introduced we were without anything and civil rights, except in the case of the which might fairly be designated MuniciProvince of Quebec; thirdly, in the sort pal institutions, and although there were of partnership in which our courts are very important questions before the counconstituted; and in the vetoing power try-questions with regard to the relareserved to the GOVERNOR GENERAL Over tions of Church and State; quesall acts which may be carried through the tions with regard to the intro various Provincial Legislatures. It seems duction of a system of responto me that these are all disturbing elements sible government; questions with which at an earlier or more remote period regard to the introduction of a system of it will be necessary to get eliminated from superior education upon a secular basis— our constitution before it can be worked upon which the public mind had been made harmoniously. The declaration in our con- up, and more or less definitely expressed, stitution that it is based upon the Federal yet in many cases it was impossible to principle I understand in the broad get a fair expression of opinion, sense in which that term is usually because some local question intervened. employed. It indicates not an assem- Two candidates might be before the bly of ambassadors, but a Gov- electors, and yet the one who agreed most ernment operating (not upon the Gov- closely with the people upon general quesernments of the Provinces) but directly tions of public policy, might be, and genupon the people. It is the union of erally were, rejected because he had not several independent and distinct sover-sufficient influence with the Government of eignities for certain definite purposes which have divested themselves of the original power of which they were possessed just in so far as these powers have been conferred upon a single or national Legislature. I have always thought that this is the best system of Government that it is posssible for our people to adopt. I am of opinion that the system of representative Government is one which never can be satisfactorily carried out over a very great extent of territory except we divest the national assembly of those local and minor questions which may properly be dealt with by local representatives of the people, who are to be immediately affected by them. I think it may be laid down as a general proposition to which there can be no exception, that no Parliament can be Mr. Mills. the day to secure the construction of a road, or a bridge, or some other local work. By the introduction of Muncipal institutions, these questions were withdrawn from the consideration of the Legislature, and public opinion could be effectually and directly expressed upon the larger questions the settlement of which were necessary in the public interest. But we find under the old system of a Legislative Union between Ontario and Quebec, which existed from 1841 to 1866, a similar class of questions cropped upquestions of a larger and more general character, but still questions which were essentially Provincial, and upon which it was frequently found impossible to obtain a general expresion of public opinion. If you look at the Statutes of the old Parliament of Canada you will find a large |