| FEBRUARY 4, 1881. ae | ol

Wrong as Usual.

Ow Thursday las’ the Patriot announeed | under an ominous heading, that a decision | iately given by Juige Peters in the case of MeMicken es. F. and F. McCarthy render- ed it ‘* clear that the proceedings recently taken against a’great majority of purchasers of Government Lends by the Commissioner

of Public Lands, are void.’ We knew that our contemporary was dealing with a subject on which he was and as he had

profoundly ignorsnt ; promised to return to it on Saturday, we let him alone, contident that his ignorance,

coupled with a burning desire to injure the Government, would lead him into the wild est error. We have not been mistaken.

{n speaking of the precepts hesays: ‘* The Attorney Genera! and Commissioner of Crown Lands, if we are correctly informed, either were ignoraat of the law or acted in

Ebe Wleek In Gxaminer

OF TUB PAST

By An Observer.

Berore entering upon the subjects of the Notes, a few words may be permitted upon the position of a new spaper correspondent, who writes anonymously. Under the shel- ter afforded by so writing, it would be most eowardly to attack any man’s private actions, or his public ones if the proofs of the charges were stated to be matters within the cognizance of the writer alone

But when a writer wishes to discuss public questions, or the public acts of public men, and the proof or disproof of his statements is to be found in public records, he has a perfect right to adopt an anonymous signature. Nor does he, by so doing, shirk any responsibility for what he says. There are his writings to speak for themselves. Having entered the arena of political diseussion, he has no right to complain if, in every legitimate way, his

defiance of its plain provisions In the pro ceedings which they have lately taken against those purcaasers of Public Lands who have failed t> pay their instalments They ave, we are told, proceeded against the lap j, and nev against the goods and chattels of its sccupiers.” : What will the public think of the tellivenee when they know that “words have been inserted issued by the Commission-

Patriot's in the following in every preeept er of Crown Lancs:

After reciting deseription « i laad.)

‘And default hath been made in payment of the f , the purchase money and interest now due thereon, of which public notice hath been goven, as by the said Act is required. Therefore I, ‘ he Commissioner of Public Lands,’ by virtue of the power and authority m me by the said Act vested, do command you, the said Sheriff, that of the goods and chattels of the said “a within your Bailiwiek, you do cause to be levied the sum of , and also sufficient to satisfy your own fees and incidental ex penses, and in default ef any such goods and chattels as aforesaid to satisfy the amount as aforesaid, or in case sufficient shall not be found to satisfy the whole thereof, or if the said : not living at the date herecf, then I furcher command you, levy on the eaid land so in arrear as aforesaid.

Judge Peters’ decision throws no new light on this subject, every precept issued being strictly in accordance with the Statute. It remains now to be seen whether the Patrwot will admit its error or brazen it out. ’ : The sale of the land to McCarthy which has been declared void by Mr. Justice Peters was made in 1878 when Mr. Davies was Attorney General. ,

Since the above was written we ere informed that one of the staff of our contemporary was told about its error before ite latest article on the subject was written. But it would seem that it eould not resist the temptation of making a small, spiteful attack on the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Public Lends, knowing at the same time that it was publishing what was untrue.

sum of

— ooo -

The “ Northern Light.”

Iw another column we give the graphic description of a passenger who oame from the ‘‘ Northern Light” to shore. The pas- senger thinks there is a scarcity of provis- ions on board, an that “some one has blundered ;’ and the Patrivt hastens to say it is the Government, Suppose the passenger to be right, as well blame the Government of (ireat Britain for the blunder which was made when the noble Six Hundred rode inte the Valley of Death. But our reporter was assured by the steward — who should know best—that there is on board the Northern Light plenty of pro- visious to last for a month or more, and plenty of coal,—that plenty of water is being distilled, and that the only ne- cessary they are short of is milk, which is specially needed for the little children. ivate letters from passengers on board say they are quite comfortable, and that the chief thing they have to com- plain of is the weary monotony which is telling particularly upon the nerves of the ladies.

lf the Government be blameable in this matter, it is for allowing the Northern Light to attempt to cross after the fieid ice began t: make. The Northern Light is weil enongh in the open sea, or where the ice is croken; but in field ice she has, over and over again, been proven to be of no use whatever. As an ice boat she is emphatically a fraud; and, as the event proves, she should have been kept in port until the ics begins to break under the genial influences of spring. But, then, it is easy to be wise after the event.

—— +-<Des@

The Latest Manifesto.

Wr publish, by request, a manifesto that has been issued by some of the Con- servatives of Suwuerside. In it want of confidence in the management of the Progress ia expressed. There may be good grounds for these s\'spicions, but clearly Mr. | Brennan has a right to do what he likes with his own. That he should be running a Grit paper on one side of Central Street, and a Conservative paper op the other, doubtless seews strange. But we think Mr. Brennan's conduct can easily be aecounted for. It is simply « case of remorse ef conscience. With every senaible, clear headed man in the community, Mr. Brennan must feel that the Conservative Party is despite some faulia both of omission and commission—wortoy the support of the country ; and his present action is simply an early expression of his penitance for the grossly unfair attacks he has made upon it through the columns of the Journal. Mr. Brennan, is in short, beginning to see the error of his ways. If our friends in Sum- merside will but exercise a little patience, they will have the gratification before long of seeing him come round “allright.” We earnestly advise him to hasten in the good way of repentance If he halts, or seems to halt, for any length of time, between the two parties, his fate will inevitably be like that of the man who attempted to sit between two stools.

- -_+ —-.«- = on

The Gas Contract.

Our correspondent ‘‘ Observer” is mis- taken in kis statement so far asthe price of gas iaconcerne’. In the year 1879, the city being short of cash, paid for 10 months gas — only, wh le in the year 1880, it paid for fourteen :aenths. Inthe city at present, there are one hundred and twenty six gas lamps, an: the contract with the gas company is $24.00 per lamp, which is equal to $53,528 per annum. Under the old gas eontract, the average cost was $36°48 per lamp.

_-_—- sine Meteorological.

Firry-sixe imches of snow fell during the month of Januury and a little over an inch of rain, making the total precipitation equal to a little over seven inehes. This is a good deal over t ve ordinary precipitation forthe month. And still it snows. From the 2lst January, up to date, the barom- eter has been below thirty inches. This also is extraordinary.

Salaries.

Ix reply to a correspondent: The sa!ary ef the hata Generai of Canada, is $45,066.63, (410,000 sterling) ; the Mar- quis of Lorne rece. res the same amount as hia predecessors; ‘he salary of the Presi- dent of the Unite’ States is $50,000.00 a year. It was raise: from $25,000.00 during the last term of President Grant; President Hayes receives the larger amount. _— an: - <a

Over 2,000 people of the United States

writings are criticized. They are fair game. Let his positions be attacked, his profes- sions of impartiality questioned, his argu- ments ridiculed

will expect all this. to it, it will be a satisfaction to him.

it may be refuted. He

So far from objecting If he has been wrong, he should be glad to be refuted ; if he has been right he will be glad to see that his blows have told. But to introduce the name of the supposed writer is in no way necessary to legitimate controversy To do so is simply a piece of downright impertin- ones. Suppose that OpseRVER, wishing to refer to the opinions of some of tho news- papers of this city, instead of speaking of what the EXamMINER says, or what the PsrRior says, were to drag the names of those reputed to be editors of these papers, he would show

in no way assists it.

or contributors to them, himself very ignorant or very ill-mannered, or both. The case being reversed, the prin- ciple remains the same. But the laws of literary courtesy are like those of social courtesy, they rest alone upon the right feeling of the members of the society they are intended to regulate. and in the absence in any particular instance of such feelings, they have no penalties by which they can ba enforced, and so one occasionally (though not often) meets with persons whose rude- ness though it may be annoying has to be endured. But it does no great harm.

After all, this is a matter very uninterest- It is the first time any and,

ing to the public such reference has here been made ; whatever may be said elsewhere, it shall not be again referred to in these Notes.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.

To begin with the latest news. It has surprised no one that the Irish state trials have ended in nothing. Except that the Government might be in a position to say that they had tried ordinary measures in vaiu, it is difficult to see why they were undertaken Political agitators always gain from an abortive attempt to coerce them. But, meanwhile, though very tardy in beginning, the Government have at last introduced into Parliament, a bill for pro- tecting life and property in Ireland. As there is a good deal in a name, it is not to be called a coercion, but a pretection bill It seems to be virtually a suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, giving the Executive power to imprison upon suspicion. Even the Secretary of Staie for Ireland, a meek man, of Quaker descent,, seems to have waxed wrothy while introducing the Bill, and to have used many bitter words against the unruly. By far the most interesting thing to watch in its passage, thouga the House will be the way in which the Gov- ernment with Gladstone at its hesd will meet obstruction. After Disrwii went to the Peers the late Gorernment was very weak in debating power in the Commons, and obstruction § ran riot. Sir Stafford Northcote was helpless. But all the while it was supposed that the great her» of debate sat apart smiling at the affray, and thinking how easily he could crush an opposition so formidable to weaker man. Hecan now try his hand. One thing we may say, that if Gladstone cannot check it, ne man can.

But when obstruction has been over-

come, and the coercion bill becomes law,

and disorder suppressed, what then shall be lone with Ireland? A Land Bill, of | course, will be next in order. And will

this be a panacea for all the ills of the coun-

try? It is to be feared not. There are

natural and economic laws which are far

more powerfal than any that Parliament

can make. Whatever the land tenure

may be, the moors and bogs of the west of | {reland can never support, except in abject poverty, a crowded population. Even the most favored parts of the rest of the coun- try are not nearly so suitable for agricul- ture as is England; and nothing is more evident, even in England, than that the day of the small farmer is past and that only large farms, scientifically worked, with a large capital, can at all hold their own. The hand loom weaver would have as much chauce against the machinery of the cotton | factory as would the small peasant proprie- tor against the large farmers or against American competition. Nothing is moro pitiable than the condition of the small peasant proprietors throughout 8 great part of Europe, and if the unusual frugality of the French peasant seenis to make him an exception, it should be remembered that the yield of agricultural produce through France with her far more favorable climate is searly fifty per cont. per acre less than in England. And it must not be forgotten what the experience of India, Germany, Austria (perhaps our own Island might be added to the list) teaches—that as the landlord disappears, the sterner figure of the Usures looms up ; his little finger is heavier than the loins of the landlord ; his scorpions are worse than the landlords whips. A poor people ean, in the older countries, own only very small farms; in the great majority cf cases they will soon be mortgaged farms, and then in what way are the people better off than when tenants?

It is said that a system of aid to emigra- tion is to be inelnded in the Government scheme for Ireland. This is its most hope- ful feature. When the pressure of popula- tion has been relieved, and the fierce com- petition for land lessened, the question of the tenure will become of far less eonse- quence. When landlords have to seek for tenants, thera will be no fear of their oppressing them.

Two names, the one eminent in the literary, the other in the scientific world, are in the obituary of the past few weeks. it 1s always hard to judge the position of a contemporary writer. Time has often played sad havoc with reputations great in their own day, and brought honor to those of whom their own age thought little. But it may well be that, high as is the position that Mary Ann Evans (George Elliot) has already gained, her reputation will grow with time, and her novels take their place in the very highest rank, alongside of those of Scott himself. In thinking of the fresh, natural, beautiful creations of her magic pen, of the deep and wide sympathies that she has shown tor so many different charac- ters, one would almost dare to suggest a comparison, in some particulars, with Shakespeare himself. fer earlier writings —‘* Janet’s Repentance,” and ‘‘ Mr, Giefil’s Love Story”—are very good ; but ‘* Adam Bede,” the ‘** Mill on the Floss,” and _per- haps, ‘‘ Romola,” are the ones in which her splendid genius shows at its best.

Daniel Deronda will probably always di-

own the pistol with which Burr killed Hamilton, and now the historians are at work to prove that |urr knocked Hamilton down and stove his head in with a brick.

jng its value,

rather too obtruded for a perfect work of art. with that it stands at the head of all other A man can’t purchase any histories! relic | fiction of the day, except George Elliot's now-a-days with an) certainty of its retain- | best.

vide the critics. Its didactic purpose is

Perhaps ths best thing to say of it is

Frank Buekland, the naturalist, has

new proposals for Pacific terms, was a clever move. probably failed to do all that its friends hoped for. magnanimous offersa—the prospeet cf their being accepted was very shadowy. At

———

love for science, and devoted his life spe- cially to the study of the food-fishes. In this study he achieved great success, and is discoveries and observations have been the utmost practical value. It may be interesting to note that the success of the effort made a year or two ago by one of our fellow townsmen to introduce frosen salmon into the English market was, to a great extent, due to his valuable aid. In a day when the votaries of science and religion are too often at war, it 1s pleasing to know that Buckland was a fervent believer in revealed religion, and that hit profound scentific knowledge did not blind him to the presenee and work of the Creator. : : It may be as well, under this heading, to notice Great Britain's ditticulties in South Africa. There are two little wars on hand——wich the Dutoh Boers and with the native Basutos. Some distance back from the east coast, on the north western frontier of the prov- ince of Natal, are the Drakenberg moun- tains. Two large rivers—the Vaal at the north, the Orange River at the south—take their rise in these high lands, and flowing some distance east in separate courses, meet about the centre of the Continent. In the territory ineluded between these two rivers lie the Basuto land and the Orange River Free State. Across the northern coast is the Transvaal district. The Orange River State is still an independent Republic Until lately annexed, the Transvaal was so also. The history of these little Repub- lies is not uninteresting. Asis well known, the Cape, though discovered by the Portu- guese, was first settled by the Dutch East Indian Company about the year 1652. But in 1686 a number ef Huguenot refugees, driven from France by the revocation of the Ediet of Nantes, joined the Dutch Colony, which ever sinee has had a strong French element. The Dutch during the next hundred years spread themselves over a considerable part ef the country. The Colony was taken from the Dutch by the English in 1806. About 1837 some of the Dutch entered Natal, and after a war with the Zulus, settled in the country. A few vears afterwards it was seized by the British. Exasperated by the emanipation of their slaves and other grievances, many of the Duteh joined the Orange River Republic, which had been settled about the same time as Natal, and others went further north and established the Transvaal Re- public. This latter country never succeed- ed so well as its sister republie. It was in constant war with the neighboring tribes, and in constant danger of destruction by them. The great diamond discoveries made a few years ago of course brought a crowd of unruly adventures from all parts of the world and increased the complica- tions. So by way of settling them the all. devouring Britisher again came forward and annexed the Transvaal. The Boers pro tested and threatemed at the time, but to no purpose, and so on the 16th of Decem- ber last they proclaimed a Republic at Heidelberg, with Kruger and Pretorius as President and Vice-President. They are brave and stubbern soldiers, and the small British force on the spot has not hitherto been able to eope with them. But re-in- forcements are being hurried forward and the Gladstone Ministry expressed in the Queen’s speech their unequivical determin- ation to suppreas the revolt. So there can be little doubt as to the final result. The inhabitants of the Orang@ River State are threatening to assist their fellow country- men. Should they do so, the result may be the annexation of their territory also. The Basutos, a tribe hitherto friendly have been justly enraged by the orders given for their complete disarmament; but the Colonial forces seem quite able to sup- press them without assistance from the Im- perial Government. EUROPE AND THE BAST.

Here the great question is that of the Greek boundary. Somewhat inconsistently, it would seem, the Powers are endeavour- ing to induee the two parties to submit their disputes to arbitration. But both deeline, and both give avery sound and logieal reason. Turkey says, you have already arbitrated and given an award against me. Greeee says, you have your. selves given we this frontier, why do you wish to reeonsider of your own judg- ment? Meanwhile, Greeee is inereasing rapidly her army, and has voted a war budget. It may, possibly, but very im- probably, be that the eloud will blow away. It may be that Greece, if she make the attack, will be left unaided, and so, with- out mach difficulty, be driven baek. But there is too much reason to fear that in the coming spring, one of the greatest and bloodiest wars of these iater days may begin on the Greek frontier.

The Christmas and New Year's holidays have brought quite a lull in Freneh poli. tics. The municipal election have been generally favourable to the Republicans. In Germany, the movement against the Jews is in no way losing its foree ; and many of the race are preparing to leave the in-

co» =~

| hospitable fatherland.

Russia has a little war on hand with a tribe in Central Asia, and it is reported that the Knssian General has been repulsed with heavy loss, but the news is uncertain, The quarrel with Chiva is still pending, sometimes the news is very warlike, then agaim it grows peaceful. There have been cequettings between liussia and Japas, aud Japan is by no means friendly towards China. Meanwhile at home the condition of Russia is avything but prosperous. Her finances are as badly embar-

‘raased as those of Italy, almost as badly as

those of Turkey, and in some districts the people are actually suffering {rem famine,

In Afghanistan, affairs seem tolerably quiet, A British army still occupies Candahar, The Queen's speech promised its removal as soon as possible. But it is easier to get into a rat trap than to get out of it.

UNITED STATES.

The United States are pointing with jus tifiable pride to their population, as shown by the last census returns. It amounts to about fifty (50) millions. Of the increase of the last deeade, nearly twenty-five (25) per cent is due to immigration. The census of the British Empire will be taken during this year; and with it, of course, that of Canada. It will be interesting to note the co-.parative ratio of increase of our own country and our neighbours to the South of us. It will probably be seen then there will be nothing discouraging in the com- parison ; but we must wait for figures.

It is very likely that Tariff Referm will soon be a live question in the States. Free Trade, unfortunately, has, as yet, no chance there; but, without abandoning their beloved protection, there is much that can be done to relieve some of the many restraints whieh their present tariff inflicts upon coramerce.

The question of polygamy promises te be a somewhat embarrassing one to our neigh- bors. Mormonism does not reajly spread much; but the conscience of the people is vexed at the thought of its peculiar insti- tutions being tolerated. But the strong national love, (admirable in so many ways), for freedom of opinion and action, will probably outweigh other eamsiderations; and the error be left to cure itself in the best possible way; namely, by proving its inferiority and evil when left to itself. There is, hewever, a modified form of polygamy, which is threatening to bea terrible social evil in the United States. A Wesley- an Minister has lately published seme statis- tics, taken from official sourees, which show the following lamentable state of affairs. The proportion of divorces to marriages was in Massachusetts 1 to 15, in Vermont 1 to 13, in Rhode Island 1 to 9, in Connecti- cut 1 to 8,in part of Ohio 1to6. In all cases where the divorce rate is high, the birth rate is low. No apparent material prosperity can compensate for such disturb ances of the very foundation of the soeial

structure, as are here shown to exist.

CANADA.

The starting of a second Syndicate, with building the Canada Railway, on apparently easier But it has

Its members could safely make

retreat open.

MONTH. | passed away. The son of a famous geolo-| any rate, they kept a vory safe line of gist (Dean of Westminster), he inherited a

Mr. Blake, with an un- necessary amount of argument, demonstrat- ed the self-evident proposition that Parlia- ment was perfectly free to accept the new offer. But if Parliament had seen fit to do so, it would thereby have expressed its want of confidence in a Government which had brought for- ward au important measure and had seen it rejected. A change of administration must have followed. Mr. Blake has most decisively committed himself and his party to give up, for an indefinite period, the portions of the road north of Lake Su perior, and west of the Rocky Mountains. So the new Syndicate could feel certain that, if ever ones upon to do the work, it must be by a Gi rahent that would _Te- quire them to build only the prairie section. True, in his lengthy amendment, Mr. Blake stated that the alternative of not vilding certain portions should not be ac- cepted. But as that alternative was an integral portion of their offer, if it were cut out, the new Syndicate would have been perfectly free to deeline touching the Contract at all. Their position was a remarkably prudent and sale one.

The scene when the vote was taken on the firat amendment to Sir Charles Tuppers Railway resolution was to use @ mild term, a very excited one. But a good deal of allowance may be made for a Parliament shat has seen the sun rise after a long win- ters night. With the mingled strains of the Marseillaise, Rule Brittania, and God Save the Queen, the members kept them- selves awake, and took vengeance on ora- t rs whe had no pity.

Professor ind, whe was examined as an expert before the Halifax Fisheries Com- mission, and who prepared the analytieal index to ite documents, is making startling charges against the evidence furnished by the Department of Marine and Fisheries. Professor Hind has been for some time en- deavoring to get an official investigation of his charges. He has 60 far sueceeded as to have the matteggreferpgd to ia the Parlia- ments at West tnister and Ottawa, and in Congress at Washington. [t is not neces: sary to suppose that conscious guilt@s the ouly reason which would lead the winning side to object to re-open the question. Even the other side might very well prefer letting the matter rest. But if there are any grounds for the eharges, they, of course, should be investigated. One's first impression on reading Professor Hind’s pamphlet is, if the statements put in as evidence were so absurd as he says ; if the falsifieations were so gross and glaring, how in the world did they escape the notice of the keen lawyers who conlucted the case for the Americans. Had they ex- ercised the commonest care for their elient, they must have seen what are now an- nounced as remarkable discoveries.

If che reports of the prospects of the oil wells in Cape Breton are at all trustworthy, an era of prosperity will soon opem up for that Island. The oil is said to be most abundant and to be worth $25 a barrel. Companies of wealthy and influential capi- talists are to set to work in the spring. OUR OWN PROVINCE.

Ill natured eritics have said that while at other times the people of Charlottetown are as peaceful asthe rest of the world, they develop, when shut up for the winter, extraordinary pugnacity, and are then always ready fora fight. But we must not attribute the greatly increased interest shown in the last civie elections to this cause, but may tairly hope that the citizens are not going to negleet their duties to their city as they have done in the past.

The City report is a very full dooument, and at first sight a clear one, but a closer examination, shows some difficulties, these however, may be plain enongh to a good accountant. The state of the finances as shown by the Report is not very flourish- ang, but there are some favourable points. Of csurse the worst thing is the large deficit—the gross expenditure having exceeded receipts from all quarters by $7,800, about 25 per cent of the nett income for the year. It does not make matters brighter to observe that the expen- diture contains at the most onlytwo or three extraordinary items (and every year brings its own extraordinary items), while the receipts include over $5,000 of the asseas- meut of 1879. The new mode of collecting rates has worked very well, but by so doing it leaves very few arrears of 1580 for this year. Sothat the receipts for 1881 will miss an item that helped to swell those for 1880. But the Amended Act of 1880, gives the present Council power to levy a poll tax, and an income tax, so there ean be no excuse fur allowing the revenue again to fall short of expenditure.

The school expenditure is the largest item in the city accounts; nor does it repre-

sent the whole cost of our schools. The Government salarics and supplements araounting to $,6000 must be added. This

will show their total eos to be, in round numbers, $15,500. The number of en- rolled pupils being 1,367, gives the eost per head last year $11.35. Perhaps the amount expended on the Weat End _ build- ing (abstract K) can not fairly be consider- ed as current expenditure. Deducting $3,000 for this, (the amount is $4,000—but there will always be some outlay on build. ings) the per eapita eost will be about $9 It is difficult to see how this expenditure ean be lessened. The salaries of the teachers are certainly not excessive, and ail other expenses seem moderate. While, however, the total expenditure cannot be lessened, the cust per head may be reduced by increasing the number of pupils at the schools. In the number attending there has been a diminution. This however might have been expected. After a first rush there comes a re-action, if there is after this a steady, even though slow in- crease, the symptoms will be favorable. But if there is no increase or a continued decrease, it will show that at the critieal point the turn was in the wrong direction. From Abstract F (page 35) it will be seen that the cost of gas to the city was last year nearly fifty per eent. greater than in 1879. ‘The figures are for 1879 $2,764 ; for 1880, $3,910—an increase of $1,200. As there have been few additions (if any) to the number of the street lamps, anc no more light comes from them, it would be well to have this large increase aeoounted for. If part of it is saved by the lamp- lighter’s wages, there will be between 8700 or $800 still left. Our local legislature meets on the Ist of March. There do not seem to be any very important questions just now in local poli tics. Matters of finance are foremost. Ontario is mooting the the question of having her legislature meet ordinarly only once in two years. A good deal might be said in favor of this plan. Should Ontario adopt it and find 1t to work well, we probably should all follow her example.

SD <OO- EED 9 nee

Anonymous Letters.

Anonymous letters, written to private parties on private matters, are generally only tit for the waste basket or the fire, and are net deserving of any thought on the part of those receiving them. They are the only weapons of cowards of the deepest dye, and are dietated by ‘‘ Envy, hatred or malice.” Even when some part of the charges alleged or the insinuations made, is true, the spirit shown in such letters is mean and contempt ible in the extreme. But when such produc- tions eoutain charges utterly devoid ot truth, no werds can be found sufficiently strong to stigmatize the writer. Several ef these let- ters have been lately received by ladies of one of our churches, and we have a shrewd idea as te the author. We have one of these letters before us, in which bad spelling abounds. The admixture of religious phrases and holy names in an epistle of this nature seems to us blasphemous. We have only to add that, should more of these letters be sent, we will do ail in onr power to verify our suspicions, and will publish the name of the author.— Com.

His text was ‘‘ What doest thou hear, Elijah” He divided it into two heads. ‘* First, my brethern,” said he, “‘let us consider what Elijah did hear; and, secondly what he didn’t hear.”

Says the New Orleans Picayune: A man troubled with sleeplessness can cure himself by pretending to do duty as a night watch- man.

NOTES FROM THE GAPITAL.

A NIGHT IN THE MOUSE OF COMMONS. Orrawa, Jan. 27, 1881.

After reeess Mr. Casgrain continued his remarks for abou half an hour. Mr. C. speaks fluently both in French and English, and on this occasion made a good speech froin an Opposition standpoint. Mr. Wade (Digby) followed in @ brief but effective speech, dealing out some heavy blows, straight from the shoulder, against the member for King’s N. B. Mr. Glen then gave his maiden speech, followed by White of Renfrew in favor of the Government Railway Policy. Mr. Joseph Rymal next rese. He spoke on opening, of the Allan Contract, saying that he was sorry Sir Hugh Allan was not able te raise the money, as it would have saved the country # great deal of trouble. He said he believed the Gov- ernment should build the road as a Gov- ernment work. With the 100,000,000 acres voted last year, there was more than sufh- cient means to build the whole road, equip it thoroughly and run it afterwards, Re- ferring to the Contraet he wanted to know the difference between a Contract firm, and a firm Contraet. [n justice let it be known thet this is not one of his best jokes. He denounced the “ Document.” He berated the Government and lauded the personnel of the Syndicate. He said he was no opposed to building the road. ;

It is now 20 minutes after 2 o'clock in the morning. The galleries that were so élosely packed all the early part of thenight are gradually thinning out. By actual count, there are still remaining 93 persoms besides those on the floor of the House. Many of the members are beginning to look wearied and sleepy, still the speaking con- tinues ‘* turn about” —first an Oppositionist, then a Ministerialist, aecording te an ar- rangement made by the Leader of the Governinent and Leader of the Opposition in the early part of the evening.

DALTON M CARTHY

rises to speak. Speaker Blanchet, still wide awake, listens—or appears to listen. Mr. McCarthy proceeds. He goes largely into the legal aspect of the question, He discusses the Contract from a purely busi- ness standpoint. Mr. McCarthy, though a comparatively young man is one of the

leading lawyers of the Dominon. In Par- liament he speaks but seldom. His style is easy, fluent, argumentative. Notwith-

standing the thorough mastery of the sub- ject which he displays, in referemee to the proposition under diseussion, before his speech is ended the House grows impatient. Mysterious noises are heard, firat on this side, then on that. Desks squeak and groan, like a ship in astorm. From one cornet of the room eomes a faint, plaintive sound, like singing in the distance. The impatience and noises increase, and the speaker's last words can scarcely be heard, owing to strange sounds, in which applause was only one of a variety of noises.

At 10 minutes to four Mr. McCarthy sat down and Mr. Millar got up. Then follow- ed quotations on Constitutional law, ex- tracts from the speechesof Lord Jehn Rus- sel and Disrw#li, Lord North, and other British statesmen. The philosopher of Bothwell went on and onand on. After half an hour or so, moises increase. It mattees not to the member for Bothwell, noise may come, and noise may go, but he goes on forever. At long last, not however on aceount of the impatience of the House as manifested in a variety of ways, but of jais own free will and aceord, Mr. Mills sub- sides at 10 minutes past 5a. m., by the clock.

Mr. Tasse was the next Speaker. His speech was carefully prepared and well de- livered. He accused the Opposition of changing their policy as they changed their leader. He criticised the Railway speeches of Messrs. Blake and Laurier. Mr. Tasse is a young man of more than ordinary ability. His speech, especially as a literary produetion, was one of the ablest of th session. dl

Mr. Weldon next took the floor. He complained that emigration had not flowed into the North West. He referred, as usual, te the termsof Union. Verily the old anti-Confederate feeling has not not yet died out in New Brunswick. There is no part of the Dominion that hes less reason to complain of the results of Con- federation than that Prevince. The Na- tional policy, too, is largely benefitting New Brunswick, notwitatanding the state- ments of her representatives to the con- trary. None so blind as those who will not see. He bestowed unstinted praise upon the institutions of the United States. He referred to the new Syndicate, but was notfrepared to endorse it or any other Syndicate. Evidently he wishes to see the road built as as a Government work. The Intercolonial cost over $40,000,000, and the average deficit for operating it for the five years of the McKenzie administration was $1,559,923.

Mr. Domville spoke next. He showed that New Brunewick was progressing. In. 1851 the value of its cereals only amounted to $670,000 ; in 1871 the amount from this source footed up $1,100,000. He pitched into his opponents from New Brunswick, and ridiculed the everlasting wail of lamen- tation that is heard from that Provinee, session after session, from the months of New Brunswick Grit whiners and grum- blers.

Loud cries of ‘Question, question,” ‘*Qall in the members,” were then heard from both sides of the House. The Speaker rose to put the question. Members began coming in, while the galleries again filled up. About 200 persons, among them a score or more of ladies, were present te witness the division on Mr. Blake’s amend- ment.

On the vote being taken the Yeas stood, 54; Nays, 140—showing the almost unpre- cedent majority of 86 out of a House of 194.

This ended one of the most lengthy and important debates that has taken plaee in Canada since Confederation. The House then adjourned at a quarter to six o'clock, when members, reporters, pages and all went forth, rejoicing that a long weary night in the Commons had been, at last, brought to a close. eS allie

To the Publio.

The Summerside “‘ Progress”’ has recently been purchased by W. A. Brennan, Proprietor of the Summerside ‘‘ Journal,” who now pro- fesses to have disposed of it to a Company, designated the ‘ Pregress Publishing Com- pany.” This aw we believe to have no existence and we therefore adopt this method of giving publicity to our entire want of contidence in the ‘‘Progress” under its — manager. We cousider the scheme to nething more than a deceptive stratagem te secure control of the press and deceive the Liberal Conservatives; we therefore feel con- strainel to repudiate it in teto as the expon- ent of Conservative views in this county: D. Rogers, J. A. Reid, Wm. G. Strong, Cornelius Howatt, F. W. Strong. H. C. Mills, C, E. Strong, F. MeNeill; D. Campbell, D. A. Compton, G. L. Webber, D. C. Brown; John Grady, W. 8. Green, Alex. Green, Fred. Parsvos, Juhu Green.