brought against me within the last two | Government, or man has any right to or three years, that I have treated the interfere with. English population unfairly. Since this audiere and the hon. gentleman from DeSalaberry, that more evil would result from withholding the information than from granting the address. I may inform my hon. friend behind me (Mr. Bellerose) that I did not use the word Government has been in power the Hon. Sir ALEX. CAMPBELL — I French population have got more ap-fear, after the remarks which have fallen pointments, perhaps, looking at the from the hon. gentleman from DeLanamount of patronage at the disposal of the Government, than the English population have received. I feel it my duty to make these few remarks with reference to one county in Nova Scotia to which the hon. gentleman's observations might be fairly appli-" curiosity" in any such sense as he supcable. I am inclined to think that in other counties in that Province, where there is a considerable French population, the same state of things prevails. Where there is a powerful minority it is able to make itself felt, and there is no attempt on the part of either political party to do it injustice. I think, if my hon. friend would take the trouble to visit the French settlements of Nova Scotia, he would come to the conclusion that no feeling of injustice pervades the minds of his countrymen in that Province with regard to their treatment in public affairs. posed, but I said if there was any special case, or any special department that he refers to, the information respecting it might possibly answer all his purpose, and it was simply with reference to anything outside of that, that I supposed it was a matter of curiosity. It turns out from what the hon. gentleman from DeSalaberry has said that it was not in reference to any particular department or case, but with reference to a feeling which he says is abroad by which it is said injustice is done to a certain class of Her Majesty's subjects with regard to patronage. I do not think that such injusHon. Mr. CARVELL I entirely tice exists; I hope it does not exist, but concur with the remarks that have fallen perhaps it is as well to let the address go; from the hon. gentleman from West- if the House does not grant the motion moreland, that this is a matter which if it may be supposed that the Government left alone will take care of itself. The has something to conceal, or that they people elect their representatives, and are conscious there is an injustice these representatives, so far, at least, as done in some cases. As the Government they are supporters of the Government are utterly free from any such consciousof the day, are consulted and have theirness or any such desire, or any desire to influence in the appointments made by Government, and if these appointments are not satisfactory to the people and to the constituencies, then the representatives are very soon made aware of it and the remedy is supplied. So in the existing system, the appointments act and react, and, as the difficulty does not exist, I say there is no room for this cry about nationality and creed. I do not think my hon. friend went quite far enough in his objection to the motion. When it comes to an inquiry into the creed, or religious profession of every man who, fortunately or unfortunately for himself, happens to be in the public service, I think it is going quite beyond what might fairly be asked of Government it is going quite beyond the privileges of Government. A man's creed or religious profession is a matter which no keep back information, we shall allow the motion to go, although it will cost a great deal of money to obtain the information that is asked for. Hon. Mr. BELLEROSE My hon. friend from New Brunswick, (Mr. Botsford) contends that we ought to be all Ca nadians and no longer English or French. We, the French majority in Quebec, have long desired that such should be the case, and, therefore, we have always in our legislation, and on all occasions, given a full measure of justice to all Her Ma jesty's subjects in that Province, irrespective of creed or origin. Our liberality has been such that, I may state here, the minority in that Province has not even desired, in many instances, to take advantage of the privileges offered to them. I may here mention the School Act provides for the appointment of two Superintendents of Education, one Catholic and one Protestant, but this last official has never been appointed, the Protestant minority alleging that they were satisfied with the Catholic Superintendent, who had always treated them fairly. Let the Government and the English majority of the Dominion treat the French minority with the same liberality; let them show that there exists no parti-pris against their nationality and their creed, and then we may expect to hear no more of distinctions of race or creed. Then, and then only, can it be expected that we shall regard ourselves as nothing else but Canadians. Such is the remedy to the evil complained of by the hon gentleman (Mr. Botsford). The hon. Senator opposite (Mr. Miller) has stated that in his Province, Nova Scotia, the majority in each electoral district were of English origin and consequently that it could not be expected that a Frenchman should be there appointed to such an office as that of Commissioner for taking the Census. Though I am the last man who would complain if a fair share of patronage had been granted to each nationality, I am sorry to have to answer that it seems to me that he (Mr. Miller) is quite wrong. If it is true that both languages, French and English, are on the same footing in this Dominion (and it cannot be denied that they are, since the Constitution so states), then I say that in a county where there is a mixed population, officials ought to know both languages, and, as French Canadians generally know both, while English do not, I am bound to say that French officials in such counties ought to have the preference. Suppose one of those officials should meet with a Frenchman, who, knowing his rights and desiring to stand upon them, would refuse to answer in English questions put to him concerning the census, who could force him to do so? No one, surely. Hon. gentlemen will see the difficulty. I am always surprised at the great opposition with which everything that is French and Catholic in this Dominion is received by the majority of the people and of their representatives, and all the more SO when I consider what is going on in the United States. It was only very recently an international Congress was held in Washington to consider the question of health legislation. Delegates from dif ferent parts of the world met there, and what was the language used during their important proceedings? French! hon. gentlemen, and yet on this side of the line, where we boast of a free country, and where the French language is official, we are met with all kinds of obstacles -all means are taken to do away with its use. I hope that the Government will allow the motion to pass. The motion was agreed to. LAVAL UNIVERSITY. THE DRAFT OF THE NEW CHARTER. Hon. Dr. PAQUET (in Frenc) Before the Orders of the day are cled, I wish to ask the hon. Postmaster General why the draft of the new charter of the University of Laval has not been produced. Some days ago a letter from Earl Kimberley was read in the House, and appears in the official reports of the Senate debates, in which the following passage occurs:— "I am to inform you that Lord Kimberley has already received, through the GovernorGeneral of Canada, a petition addressed to the Queen by the Roman Catholic Archbishop and Bishops of Quebec with regard to the powers or the University, and also a draft of a proposed new charter for that institution, etc., etc." By that letter it appears that the charter was sent to this country. Nevertheless, it was not produced in response to the address which was adopted by this House. I wish to know why this document has not been produced. I do not attribute it to any unwillingness on the part of the Government to produce the papers for which I have asked, ' but I cannot help observing that there has been a good deal of delay in the production of these papers, and I have had to call the attention of the hon. Postmaster-General to the matter on two or three occasions, and I trust the House will so guard its own privileges as to see that its orders are strictly obeyed. The papers which were brought down on Friday last were originals and were returned to the Department of the Secretary of State. I hope there will be no farther delay in producing the copies. Hon. Sir ALEX. CAMPBELL - I the charter is not to be had; but I canam not aware of any reason why the not give any explanation of it. I think papers, which my hon. friend refers to, I sent the note from the Under-Secretary particularly the draft of the new charter of State to the hon. Senator from DeLan of Laval University, have not been pro-audiere, in which he stated that he had duced. When the motion was first made, looked for the draft of the charter, but the Government assented to it, and it was could not find it. in the usual way carried to His ExcelI lency, and the papers were ordered. had supposed that everything asked for in the address was brought down, and that was the view taken by the Secretary of State, Hon. Mr. O'Connor. When I appealed to him on behalf of my hon. friend, he stated that everything had been brought down. I said "No, here are at some items which have been omitted. Hon. Dr. PAQUET (in French) - It Hon. Sir ALEX. CAMPBELL The subject then dropped. TEMPERANCE ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. THIRD READING. Hon. Mr. VIDAL moved the third reading of Bill (M) "An Act to explain and further amend the Canada Temperance Act of 1878, and the Act of 1879 amending the same." Hon. Mr. ALMON moved in amendment, "That the dealing in ales, porter, lager beer, cider and light wines, containing less than ten per cent. of alcohol, be exempt from the operation of the Canada Temperance Act of 1878." He a great deal of this said: It is with that introduce I hesitation In the first instance, I was resolution. very sorry to do anything which would interfere with my friend, the hon. member from Sarnia. I was pleased with the way in which he introduced his amendment to the original Act, for there was zeal in it without fanaticism, and, for a temperance speech, there was less intemHe advocated perance in it than in any speech of the kind I had ever heard. temperance without thinking that everybody who was opposed to him was in favor of intemperance, and never insinuated that they were, in fact, drunkards, which temperance peopic generally do. He did not do so, and I was sorry to introduce anything which would disI was unwilling to please him. There was another motive which actuated me. do anything which could be tortured into supposing that I was in favor of anything Nobody looks upon like intemperance. that vice with more horror than I do. In this Canada of ours there are many houses, both the palatial residences of the the rich, and cottages the poor, in which there are skeletons in the closet, occasioned by intemperance; skeletons which interfere with the happiness of happiness of the family and cause sorrow and terror by the rattle of their bones to the inmates of those of houses. I am aware that in many a perjurer? Supposing she gives her house in this Canada of ours, extending evidence against her husband what from Main-a-Dieu to the western shore happens then. They are joined together of Vancouver, the widow may be seen by the law which says "those whom God leaning her head on her hand, with her has united let not man put asunder," but children around her, for whom she knows does not this law put them asunder? If not where the morrow's bread will come, she gives evidence against her husband, looking at the empty chair and think- it destroys their happiness for life. There ing that but a few short years ago, full is another clause which is even worse of hope and happiness, she married the than this. I shall not quote the words love of her youth, in the health and which my hon. friend from Fredericton strength of manhood, and with their (Mr. Odell), used much better than I prospects bright before them. That can do, but he described the case of a man fills a drunkard's grave; whiskey man brought before a court of justice for or rum brought him to it. What may selling liquor. He is fined, and then be happening this very night in many a asked if he ever was fined before. If he Canadian home? The mother sitting says "yes," his fine is almost doubled. over the half burnt embers till the small Is this the nineteenth century? Am I hours of the night, watching for the right in supposing that such a law origifootsteps of her son, once her pride, and nated in 1878 No; that originated in still her loved one; waiting to hear his the times of the Tudors. It wants but hands on the door latch, that she may the thumb-screw and rack to put it down let him in, and lead his staggering limbs at the time of Henry VIII. Now, up to his chamber in the hope that no-what is the effect of this law where it body shall see his disgrace but herself. can be carried out? I have shown Feeling all that, if I supposed this Bill already that the feeling of the people would conduce to promote temperance, cannot be in favor of it, and therefore it although it is a tyrannical Bill, I would will not be carried out, except by the support it; but I am sure that no good people rising up and putting down can come of it. It is a Bill which does drunkenness themselves. The peonot commend itself to the majority ple who will endeavor to enforce this of the people of this country, and why law will be the basest kind of inform does it not? Because, as was explained ers; we see them mentioned in the by the hon. gentlemen from Fredericton, papers, and a man employed as a whiskey (Mr. Odell) the clauses of this Bill are informer has generally been guilty of of a most tyrannical nature. A man is some bad act before. These informers tried for selling intoxicating liquor and will go round to the places where liquor his wife is brought before the magistrate is sold, and the consequence will be that and compelled to give evidence against a person who sells liquor illicitly canher husband. In a case of murder or not sell also cider or light wines, because, treason a wife cannot be compelled to in consequence of their bulk, they would give evidence against her husband, but be difficult of concealment. He must in this case the opposite rule applies. sell spirits, and of the strongest and most Supposing the husband is guilty, what concentrated kind. Of course, the ensues! One of two things: the wife larger the percentage of alcohol, the less either perjures herself and loses the bulk it will take up, and the less liability respect of her children, or convicts her there will be to detection. It cannot be husband by her evidence. If she per- old, it must be new whiskey and contain jures herself, does that conduce to tem- a large percentage of fusil oil, which, we perance? Everybody knows that a know, is only eliminated from liquor by mother's prayers and what she would age. Fusel oil is a deadly poison; the think of her son's excesses, has kept largest dose which you could give a pamany a man from drunkenness; but this tient is three drops, and if he should Bill would remove that safeguard. A double the dose he would not be alive to mother can scarcely appeal to the Deity answer your questions when you called whose name she has taken in vain; and again. That is the stuff which this sowhat would a son care for a mother's called "Temperance Act" will compel opinion when he looks upon her as a the inhabitants of Canada to take; and how will they take it? They will not "Obscure it sinks, nor shall it more impart go together to a tavern and drink it, but An hour's importance to the poor man's heart." "News, much older than their ale, went go round by the back way to a dark room and take this vile poison in a glass We read who collected there: the village over the counter and rush out. Coming blacksmith. the barber, the tailor, and out, he will feel that he had committed others of the place; they all met to talk a crime by breaking the law. Instead of the news of the day. That their conof getting drunk he becomes mad-versation was proper cannot be doubted, dened, and there is a loss from the description of the maid who of self-respect as well, and this is what handed 'round the ale, which appears to leads to crime. I do not know that we have been the beverage which they drank, can depend on figures which appear in for the newspapers, because they are not always correct; but we see it stated that crime has increased in the State of Maine since a prohibitory liquor law was adopted there. It is certainly the law of the minority, and I think, from what I have shown you, that you would have a very low opinion of our countrymen if it was not so. The case of the County of Sunbury was cited the other day. Sunbury is a county with 1,500 voters. This Scott Act was submitted to the people there, and yet less than 200 voters went to the polls to record their votes, and there was a majority of 120 or 130 in favor of passing the Act. Is not that a minority? You may say that the others did not vote, but why did they not? The majority of those who voted were Sons of Temperance, who had their secret signs and pass-words, and their weekly and monthly meetings; who collect subscribtions, and are so organized that they can throw their whole weight in any direction they like. To say that they defeated the others is to say that soldiers will beat militia. Take the case of the Orangemen or Masons; we all know that in elections they possess great power, not because of their numerical strength, but because of their organization; and they throw their whole strength on one side or the other. I shall be taunted, I have no doubt, by some of the speakers that will follow me, with being an advocate of intemperance. That will only prove to you the truth of what I have said. I have explained how the people drink now in places where this Act is in force; how used the people drink in old times? You have all read with pleasure, I am sure, "The Deserted Village," I think one of the most touching things in that poem is the account of the village ale-house. We remember the words: Is not that a beautiful description? You know that licentious eye was never cast upon her, her ear was never offended by a word that a maiden should not hear, and a better judge of human nature than Goldsmith never existed. That conviviality is done away with by this law, and drinking over the counter of the poison I have mentioned takes its place. Shall we ever see, if the law of my hon. friend prevails, Noctes Ambrosiana again? We have all read with delight the meetings of Christopher North, the " Ettrick Shepherd," and other kindred spirits. I have visited the scene of their meetings, and I can almost fancy that the walls give back the taste of their " Attic" salt- Is that to be done away with by the operation of this law? If it had prevailed in the past what wit the world would have lost. Those men have long since gone to their graves, but any man who will read the Noctes Ambrosiana will see that from moderate drinking do not result all the vices which the hon. gentleman supposes. I have proved, at least to my own satisfaction, and, I trust, to the satisfaction of a majority of those who hear me, that this law is opposed to morality. I think it will take very little trouble to prove that it is opposed to the Scriptures. We know that in the Old Testament we are told, " wine maketh glad the heart of man.” Take that most magnificent poem in the old Prophecies of Isaiah: where do you find metaphors drawn more frequently than from the vineyard and the wine press? Wine is spoken of as one of the bounteous gifts of Providence. In that book which I wish temperance men consulted more the Book of Solomon, |