1

Gt. Erit, Colonial office.
Union of the Colonies.
1864.
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VmO^ OF THE COLONIES.

(No. 29— Miscella.) Government House, Halifax, 2f.S.,
30th March, 1864.
My Loed Duke, —
With reference to previous communications on the subject of the Union of
the Maritime Prpvinces, I have the honor to inform your Grrace, that in the
House of Assembly on the 26th inst., the Provincial Secretary moved the follow
ing Resolution, which was passed without division : —
Resolved, — That His E.Kcellency the Administrator of the Grovernment be
requested to appoint Delegates (not exceeding five) to confer with Delegates who
may be appointed by the Grovernments of New Brunswick and Prince Edward
Island, for the purpose of arranging a preliminary plan for the Union of the
three Provinces under one Government and Legislature ; such Union to take
effect when confirmed by the legislative enactments of the various Provinces in
terested, and approved by the Queen.
A similar Resolution has been laid upon the table of the House of Assem
bly in New Brunswick, to be taken into consideration at an early period ; and
the subject has been referred to by the Governor of Prince Edward Island in
the Speech with which the Session of the Legislature of that Island was opened,
but sufl&cient time has not yet elapsed to enable His Excellency to make me ac
quainted with the action which may have been taken upon it by the Legislature.
I have, &c., (Signed) HASTINGS DOYLE.
His Grace the Duke of Neavcastle, K.G.,
&c., &c., &c.

(Nova Scotia — No. 5.) Downing Street, 25th April, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 29, of the
30th ultimo,- communicating the Resolution of the House of Assembly respect
ing the appointment of Delegates to arrange with Delegates from Prince Edward
Island and New Brunswick, the preliminaries of an Union between the three
Provinces.

Major General Doyle.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL.

2 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

Quebec, ZOth June, 1864.
Sir,— I have the honar to inform you that it is the wish of the Canadian Govern
ment to send a Delegation to attend the Conference which it is. proposed to
hold this, year, of gentlemen representing respectively, Nova Scotia, New Bruns
wick, and Prince Edward Island, with a view to the Union of those Provinces,
The object of the Canadian Government is to ascertain whether the proposed
Union may not be made to embrace the whole of the British North American
Provinces, I shall feel much obliged if you will inform me of the time and place which
have been fixed on for the meeting ; and I trust the presence of a Canadian De
legation will be agreeable to their brethren of the Maritime Provinces-
I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK-
Major GeneTcil Doyle, &c., &c.,, &c.

Government House, Halifax, JS^.S.,
Ml July, 1864,
My Loed,. —
It was only yesterday afternoon that I received your Lordship's Despatch of
the 30th ult,
2, Your Lordship therein requests inforiRation as to the time and place ap
pointed for the meeting of the Delegates, to be named on behalf of Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, for the purpose of considering the
feasibility of a Union of those Provinces,
3. Your Lordship further wishes to know whether it would be acceptable to
this Government to receive a deputation from the Government of Canada, to
invite attention to the larger question of Federal Union of all the British North
American Provinces.
4, In reply I have to state that no action has yet been taken in the matter,
since the Resolution authorising the appointment of Delegates for the above
purpose was adopted by the Legislatures of the three Maritime Provinces.
5. I am availing myself of your Lordship's inquiry to revive the subject
and, with the full concurrence of my Executive Council, I am addressing com
munications to the Administrator of the Government of New Brunswick, and to
Lieut.-Governor Dundas, suggesting the expediency of appointing Delegates, and
also leaving the time and place of meeting to be fixed according to the views and
convenience of their respective Governments.
6. As Nova Scotia originated the proposal, it seems desirable that I should
suggest the expediency of some further early movement in the matter ; but I
have abstained from putting forward any claim on the part of Halifax as the place
of meeting, lest my doing so might have the semblance of assuming a superiority
where the most perfect equality is an essential basis of the intended negotiation.
7. When any decision has been arrived at by the Governments of New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, I shall report the same to. your Lordship,
though you will probably learn it sooner through some other channel.
8. In the meantime I can assure your Lordship of the extreme pleasure
which it will afford this Government, to confer unofficially with any Delegates
sent from Canada. It is, however, necessary to remind your Lordship that no

UNION OF THE COLONIES.

Resolution has yet been passed by any o'f the Legislatures of the Maritime Pro
vinces, authorising the appointment of Delegates for any purpose but that of
considering some plan for the Union of the three Provinces. 'Therefore, neither
I nor my Ministry have the power to go beyond the exact powers conferred by
that Resolution. I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
Governor-General Viscount Monck,

Government House, Quebec,
StJi August, 1864-
SiR, —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of 9th July,
informing me that the meeting of the Delegates from the Governments of the
Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, to con
sider the propriety of a Union of these Provinces, had been fixed to take place
at Charlottetown on September 1st.
I have the honor to inform you, the Honorable Messrs. MacDonaid, Cartier,
Brown, and Gait, have been appointed as a Deputation from the Government of
Canada to attend the Conference, with a view to ascertain whether Canada might
not be included in the proposed Union.
I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
Lieut.-Governor Sir Richakd Graves MacDonnell, C.B,

Govermnewt House, Halifax, N.S.,
nth July, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to inform you that his Lordship the Governor-General of
Canada has applied to me for information as to the intended time and place of
meeting of the Delegates, who in accordance with Resolutions of the several
Legislature of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, are to
confer on the expediency of a Union of those Provinces.
2. I find that although the Resolution authorising the appointment of those
Delegates, has been regularly passed by the Legislatures of all three Provinces,
no further step has yet been taken in the matter. Lest it might be supposed that
it devolves on this Province, as originating the idea, to initiate also further action,
and that any delay can be fairly charged on the Executive here, I wish to in
form your Excellency that, having consulted my Executive Council, I am prepared
¦ to nominate five Delegates on the part of this Province, three to represent the
existing Government and two Her Majesty's Opposition.
3. In reference to the time and place for the meeting of the Delegates, I can
only say that whilst I and my Ministry would very cordially welcome the Repre
sentatives of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in this capital, we pre
fer leaving to them the choice of such place of meeting, as may be in their
opinion most appropriate and most agreeable to themselves.
4. I see some advantages in the selection of Charlottetown for that purpose ;
but the point is one on which any determination taken by the authorities of New
Brunswick arid Prince Edward Island will be at once acted on by myself and
my Ministry.

4 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

5. I would therefore suggest the expediency of your conferring with his Ex
cellency the Administrator of the Government of New Brunswick, on the early
appointment of Delegates, and the time and place for their meeting. Beyond a
desire that no further delay, which can be avoided, should take place, neither I-
nor my Ministry have anything to suggest. We are prepared to act promptly
and willingly in any decision at which your Government, and that of New
Brunswick, (or Prince Edward Island) may jointly arrive.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
Their Excellencies The Lieut.-Governor of Prince Edward Island, and
The Administrator of the Government of New Brunswick.

Government House, Prince Edward Island,
28th July, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 7, of date
11th July, 1864, in which you inform me that his Lordship the Governor-Gene
ral of Canada has applied to you for information as to the intended time and
place of meeting of the Delegates, who are to confer on the expediency of a
Union of the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward
Island. ^
I have, also, received a communication from the Governor- General on the
same subject. A copy of this, with my reply, I haA^e now the honor to transmit,
for your Excellency's information.
I have submitted to my Ministers the suggestion made by your Excellency,
that Charlottetown be selected as the place of meeting for the intended
Conference. This arrangement is approved of by my Government, who will gladly welcome
to Charlottetown such gentlemen as may be named, to attend the Conference, on
the part of the neighbouring Provinces.
My Ministers have suggested to me the first of September as a very suitable
period for the Conference to be held.
The absence of the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick has created some
delay in ascertaining whether the proposed time and place were considered sui
table by that Province. I have the satisfaction, however, to inform your Excel
lency, that a Despatch from the Administrator of the Government of New Bruns
wick received this morning, assures me that the proposal to hold the Conference
in Charlottetown on the first of September next, meets the approval of that
Government. I trust that these arrangements may have your Excellency's approbation and
that of your Ministers, I have, &c.,
(Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS,
TT- -n 1, Lieutenant- Govei'nor.
His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C.B.,
&C., &C., &C.

UNION OF THE COLONIES.

(No. 3.) Colonial Schooner " Baring,^'' St. Marfs Biver, N.S.,
18th July, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to report that on the 9th inst. I received from Lord Monck
a Despatch, dated the 30th June, inquiring the time and place of meeting of the
Delegates to be appointed, in accordance with Resolutions passed by the Legis
latures of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, for the pur
pose of conferring on the expediency of a Union of those Provinces.
2. I have replied that I am ready to appoint five Delegates on the part of
this Government, but that no time and place of meeting has yet been deter
mined. I have, however, written to the Governors of New Brunswick and
Prince Edward Island, urging the expediency of coming to an early understand
ing on the subject, and leaving to them the selection of the time and place most
convenient to themselves. I was anxious to avoid any appearance of dictating
or leading on the part of this Government, which, by originating the movement,
has already sufficiently evinced its desire to promote the proposed Union.
3. Lord Monck was also anxious to know whether the attendance of Delegates
on the part of Canada, would be acceptable for the purpose of urging the expe
diency of a still wider Union, embracing all the British Provinces in Nova
Scotia. 4. I have consulted my Executive Council on the question, and the Members
concur with me in thinking that the Resolution of the Legislature, which autho
rises the appointment of Delegates to discuss the Union of the Maritime Eastern
Provinces, confers no power to discuss officially, the larger question embraced in
Lord Monck' s enquiry.
5. I have accordingly replied to that effect, whilst expressing the satisfaction
which the Government would feel in receiving and discussing unofficially, any
question raised by the Canadian Government.
6. Having signified to my Ministry my willingness to appoint Delegates to
meet those of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, it seems proper that
I should call your attention to a Despatch of the 27th January, 1860, marked
confidential, and addressed to my predecessor by his Grace the Duke of New
castle. In that Despatch his Grace, whilst apparently expressing no disapproval
of the discussion of such a question as that which is now imminent, concludes
with the following instruction : " Previous to sending Delegates to Quebec or
elsewhere, such a proposal should not be authorised by yourself without previous
communication with the Secretary of State, in order that the question of the De
legates, and the instructions to be given them may be known beforehand to H.
M. Government."
7. I was not aware till very recently of the existence of that instruction, but,
though I feel it right to draw attention to it now, I am pursuaded that so far as
the present proposal goes I am not exceeding its letter or spirit. H. M. Govern
ment has already signified a general acquiescence in the propriety of such preli
minary discussion, and there is no intention on the part of myself or my Ministry
to give the intended Delegates any authority except to debate the general expe
diency of the proposed Union, and report the recommendation in which the Con
ference may result.
8. If, however, you should be of opinion there is any reason either to with
hold my sanction to the appointment of Delegates, or require any special gua
rantee, there is still time to furnish me with the necessary instructions, as pro
bably the first of September will be the earliest day named for the Conference.
9. In the meantime I venture to add, in reference to the suggestion of Lord
Monck that it seems premature to discuss the larger question of a Union of the
five Provinces before it be ascertained whether the three smaller, whose interests
are more immediately and more evidently connected, can be induced to combine
in closer connection. I apprehend that the more limited project, if practicable'
at all, as I hope it is, is all that can be managed for some time to come, whilst if the
larger proposal be attainable, and be desirable, its adoption will eventually be in

6 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

this way much facilitated. I think so because a Union between two communities,
which would be all that would then remain to be accomplished, will assuredly be
a simpler question to arrange than a Union between five as at present.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL,
Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable E. Cardwell, &c., &c., &c.

(No. 7— Nova Scotia.) Downing Street, 9th August, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 3, of the
18th of July, and to convey to you my approval of the course you have taken in
appointing Delegates to confer on the expediency of a Union of the Provinces of
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. I also concur with
you in thinking that the official mission of the Delegates should be limited to the
Union of the Lower Provinces. The wider question to which you refer is one
on which the views of the Ministers of Canada have not yet been officially made
known to me, and on which I am not yet prepared to enter ; but I agree with
you in the opinion which you express, that by proceeding with the consideration
of the Union of the Lower Provinces you will be throwing no impediment in
the way of a wider scheme, if hereafter such a scheme should appear to be
desirable. I have, &c.,
(Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL.
Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B.

(No. 8.) Government House, Halifax, If.S.,
18th August, 1864.
Sir, —
In my Despatch No. 3, of the 18th ult., I drew attention to the communica
tions then going forward between the Governor- General of Canada, myself, and
the Lieutenant-Governors of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island 'rela
tive to the proposed discussion by Delegates from the Provinces, of the practica
bility of estsblishing some sort of Union between them.
2. I explained that the Legislatures of the Maritime Provinces had not
authorised discussion by their Delegates of any question except the Union of
those Provinces, and that although it would afford this Government much plea
sure to receive and confer unofficially with any parties authorized by Canada to
discuss a larger question, I could not clothe the Delegates of Nova Scotia with
more extensive authority than that already conferred by the Legislature.
3. I believe replies of a similar tenor were transmitted to Lord Monck from
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island ; and since then I have received a
Despatch (8th August) from his Lordship, informing me that the Honorable
Messrs. MacDonaid, Cartier, George Brown, and Gait, had been appointed a de
putation from the Government of Canada to attend the Conference, " with a view
" to ascertain whether Canada might not be included in the proposed Union."

UNION OF THE COLONIES.

4. During the course of my late tour it became necessary to put in to Char
lottetown for part of a day, and I had the pleasure of conferring there with
Lieut.-Governor Dundas and some of the leading public men, with a view to some
action being early commenced. I had always advocated the earl}'- naming of a
place for the Conference, and for obvious reasons had suggested Charlottetown as
most appropriate. That suggestion was adopted, and the first of September
fixed for the meeting. It is intended on the part of this Government to send
the Honorable Messrs. C. Tupper, W. A. Henry, R. B. Dickey, Joseph Howe,
and Mr. A. G. Archibald, as representatives of Nova Scotia, In the event of
Mr. Howe not being able to find time from his duties as Fishery Commissioner
to attend at Charlottetown, I shall appoint some one else to represent the oppo
sition. 5. In the mean time an invitation sent by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
to members of the Canadian Legislature to visit these Provinces, though at first
declined, was subsequently accepted by a numerous body of the Canadian Legis
lature, and almost simultaneously with my own return from Cape Breton and
Sable Island, nearly one hundred visitors from Canada and New Brunswick
arrived here, including about forty members of the Council and Assembly of
Canada. Amongst them were the Honorable T. D'Arcy McGee and other well
known members of the Legislature from both Upper and Lower Canada, toge
ther with numerous representatives of the press and municijDal bodies of Canada
and New Brunswick.
6. It affords me very great pleasure to be able to report that, during the six
days of their visit, a very hearty and cordial spirit of good fellowship and
friendly feeling characterized their proceedings. In some degree the arrival of
so many Canadian visitors at this peculiar .moment must be regarded as having
had, and as being intended to have had, an influence on the deliberations of the
Delegates at Charlottetown next month. Her Majesty's Government, too, must
therefore be prepared to find the question of a general Union of the British
North American Provinces more extensively supported than was at all probable
six months ago.
7. I foresee, however, great difficulty of detail which must be surmounted
before any real progress can be made in arranging either a partial or general
scheme of Union, whether Federal or Legislative. In the mean time I am satis
fied that many collateral advantages have resulted from the visit of so many
gentlemen from the neighbouring Colonies. I cannot but be sensible that a
better spirit — a wish for more united action, and a desire to merge small politics
in larger and more generous views — is thereby engendered.
8. I had several opportunities, both at Government BLouse and more public
places, of meeting our visitors ; and I trust that I expressed no views which are
not held by yourself and Her Majesty's Government. On one occasion, a very
large public dinner, I had to return thanks for my health being drank, and as
somewhat different versions of the observations which I made appeared in the
public journals, I think it best to enclose that which appears to me the most
correct. I always spoke hopefully of greater united action on the part of these
Colonies in many important matters, but I never intended, and it would be pre
mature as well as inconsistent with the duties of my position, to have appeared
as an advocate of any general Union in the sense intended by other speakers.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL,
Lieutenant Governor.
Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M.P,

8 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
2lih August, 1864.
My Lord, —
I have been unable, owing to various fortuitous circumstances, to supply sooner
a list of the Delegates appointed to represent this Province in the meeting of
Delegates which is to assemble at Charlottetown on the 1st proximo for the pur
pose of considering the expediency of a Union between the Lower Provinces.
I am now enabled to give the following names, with the proviso, however, that
some further change may be necessary at the last moment.
The list, as now settled, is the Hon. Charles Tupper, Provincial Secretary, the
Hon. William A. Henry, Attorney General, the Plon. R. B. Dickey, M. L. C,
Adams G. Archibald, Esq., M. P. P., and John Locke, Esq., M. P. P.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
Their Excellencies The Governor General and Lieut. Governors
of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
2dth August, 1864.
Sir, —
In reference to my despatch of the 27th inst., I have now the honor to inform
you that Mr. Locke, having resigned the post of Delegate for Nova Scotia at the
meeting of Delegates for the Lower Provinces, fixed for the 1st September, I have
this day appointed the Hon. J. McCully to be a Delegate for this Province.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
Lieutenant Governor George Dundas, P. E. Island.

(No. 13.) Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
31st August, 1864,
Sir, —
I have the honor to inform you that I have appointed the following gentlemen
as Delegates to rej)resent this Province at the Conference of Delegates from the
Lower British American Provinces, which is to assemble to-morrow, the first of
September, at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island : —
The Honorable Charles Tupper, Provincial Secretary.
The Honorable William A. Henry, Attorney General.
The Honorable R. B. Dickey, M. L. C.
The Honorable J. McCully, M. L. C. and
Adams G. Archibald, Esq., M. P. P.,
These gentlemen may be regarded as representing fairly the two leading politi
cal parties in the Province. The first three being selected by the Government,
and the last two by the Opposition — an arrangement which from the first I Avas
very desirous of promoting. I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MacDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Hon. Edv^tard Cardwell, M. P.

UNION OP THE COLONIES.

(Nova Scotia.— No. 13.) Downing Street, 21st September, 1864.
telR, 
I have the "honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatcli, No. 13, of tbe
.31st of August, reporting the names of the gentlemen whom you had appointed
to represent the Province of Nova Seotia at the Conference at Charlottetown, on
the proposed Union -of th« Lower Provinces of British North America.
I have, &c,,
(Signed) EDWARD CARDW^LK
Ijieutenant Governor
Bir Richard Gkaves MacDonnell, C. B,, &c., &c., &c.

Quebec, 1st September, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to enclose, for your information, a copy of a report of my
Executive Council, approved by myself in reference to the Conference of Delegates
-from the Maritime Provinces at Charlottetown. I have, &c., (Signed) MONCIL
His Excellency Sir Richaud Ghaves MacDonnell, &c., &c., &c.

€opy of a Heport of a Vommittee of the Honorable the Uxecutive Council, appfotecl
by His Excelteney the Governor General in Council, on the 29th August, 1864,
The Committee in Council have given their best consideration to the Despatches
which have passed between your Excellency and the Lieutenant Go-vernors of New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, on the subject of the Confer
ence proposed to be held at Charlottetown, with reference to the future Union of
these Provinces with Canada.
The Committee entirely concur in the opinion expressed by the Lieutenant
Governors that the proposed meeting must necessarily be of an informal character,
but they consider that very great advantage will flow from the opportunity that
will be then afforded of considering the practicability of uniting under one Govern^
ment the respective Provinces, and should it be found that a reasonable prospect
exits of such an Union being practicable, the Committee consider that it will then
be possible to proceed to a more formal Conference, and to place before the Im
perial Government such a general outline of the policy proposed as may enable
Her Majesty's Ministers to determine whether the interests of the Empire will be
promoted thereby, and of giving the sanction of the Queen to the future negotia
tions on the subject.
The Committee therefore respectfully recommend to your Excellency that such
of your Excellency's advisers as can conveniently be spared from their official
duties at Quebec should be authorized to proceed to Charlottetown for the purpose
of conferring informally Avith the representatives from the Maritime Provinces.
(Certified.) (Signed) U. A. HIMSWORTH, Ag. C. E. C.

10 UNION OF THE COLONIES.
(No. 19.) Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
15th September, 1864.
SlR,^ —
I have the honor to report that the intended Conference of Delegates from the
Lower Provinces assembled at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on Thursday,
the 1st inst. No less than eight members of the Canadian Ministry — Messrs.
J, A. McDonald, Cartier, Gait, Brown, McGee, McDougall, Langevin, and Camp
bell, attended at the same time to make proposals on the part of Canada.
2. As the members of the Conference thought their own deliberations might be
affected by the proposals of the Canadian Government, they resolved to hear the
latter, before proceeding with their own special debates.
3. This occupied several days, and ended in the Canadian Ministers being in
vited afterwards to take part in the Conference, So far as I can learn, the pro
ceedings of the Delegates have only gone this far — ^that they are all in favor of
some general Inter-Colonial Union, if it can be shown that no party to such an
arrangement will be a loser in the adjustment of the details,
4, The Prince Edward Island Delegates would probably not be averse to such
a Federal Union as would leave them their own local institutions and Government
House, but I understand there is no probability of their agreeing to any proposal
which would entirely merge their present separate Legislature in a larger body.
5. On the 7th inst. I received a telegram informing me that all the Delegates
and Members of the Canadian Government would arrive here on Saturday, the
10th inst., and resume their sittings in Halifax, remaining till the following
Tuesday. 6. I therefore invited them all to dine at Government House on Saturday, and
had the pleasure of seeing round my table the most remarkable assemblage of
British American Statesmen who had ever met in one room at Halifax.
7. On Monday they were entertained at a Public Dinner, of which a very full
report has since appeared, and the occasion was certainly a remarkable one. In
the few observations which I made in return for my health being proposed, I felt
quite justified in saying that although Her Majesty's Government was, for obvious
reasons, disinclined to originate such a movement, it was nevertheless disposed to
receive favorably any proposition agreed to by the British Provinces which might
afford a reasonable opportunity of increasing the happiness and progress of Her
Majesty's subjects, by increasing their unity of action in matters where they had
all a community of interest.
8. On Wednesday the various Delegates took their departure, and I believe
there will be a partial resumption of their sittings at St. John.
9. As I understand that the Canadian Government intends to invite the Dele
gates of the other Provinces to discuss at Quebec, the larger scheme of a general
Union or Federation, I think it necessary to request permission to appoint
Delegates on behalf of Nova Scotia to discuss those wider questions.
_ 10. I apprehend, from the loyal spirit in which previous discussions have been
hitherto conducted, there is no risk of any Imperial interest being jeopardised by
the freest permission to mature some plan for greater union than now exists. NeA^er-
theless, I consider theDuke of Newcastle's Despatch of the 27th January, 1860,
still renders the previous sanction of Her Majesty's Government necessary to
justify the appointment by me of Delegates to consider the question embracing
the general Union of these Provinces.
11. The proposed meeting is intended to take place at Quebec about the 10th
October, and there is, therefore, only just sufficient time to intimate your wishes
to me in the matter. I have, &c,,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor^
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M. P., &c.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 11
(Nova Scotia — No. 15.) Downing Street, 1st October, 1864.
Sir,— I have received your Despatch of the 15th September, No. 19, communicating
such details as you have been able to learn of the recent Conference which has
been held at Chalottetown on the subject of an Intercolonial Union of the British
North American Provinces.
I have to thank you for the interesting intelligence you have conve^^ed to me,
and to state with reference to your request for authority to permit certain members
of your Executive Council to repair to Quebec, there to resume the discussion of
this subject, that I have received an intimation from Lord Monck that he intends
communicating with me upon it ; and as time is important, since it is proposed
that the meeting shall take place early in October, I have no hesitation in giving
you at once the required permission.
I have, &c., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL.
Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C. B.,
&c., &c., &c.

(No. 20.) Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
29th September, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to inform you that my Ministry are very anxious for the
appointment of Delegates from this Province to confer at Quebec with Delegates
from the other Maritime Provinces and Canada. The subject of the Conference
is intended to be the feasibility of a Union, whether Federal or Legislative, of all
British Nerth America. Even Newfoundland is sending a Representative ; and
as the Conference is intended to commence on the 10th October, it would be
impossible for the Representatives of NoA^a Scotia to reach Quebec at that date,
if I await your sanction to their appointment by the mail due at Halifax on the
12th October.
2. As I could not suppose, however, that you wished this Province to be
unrepresented at any discussion of Intercolonial questions, affecting all the
British North American Colonies, I agreed yesterday in Executive Couucil to
nominate as Delegates to the Quebec Conference the same gentlemen who had
already represented Nova Scotia at the Conference in Charlottetown and Halifax.
3. I find, however, on further inquiry, that no official invitation, such as I
could recognize, has been yet received from Lord Monck, adequate to justify my
nominating Representatives of this Province to a Conference, where, strictly
speaking, they should not proceed at all without your previous sanction. In
fact no proof of any iuAdtation having been sent to Nova Scotian Delegates has
yet reached me. I have, therefore, telegraphed to Lord Monck to that effect, and
as possibly I may find myself unable for the above reasons to name any Delegates
to the Quebec Conference, I think it best to put you in possession of the above
explanation. I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M. P.

12 UNION OF THE COLONIES
(No, 19 — Nova Scotia^) Downmg Streei, 14th October, 1864,
Sir, —
I have the honor to' acknov;ledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 20', of the
29th of September, on the subject of the nomination of Delegates to proceed to
Quebec to attend a Conference there on the question of the Union of the British
North American Provinces ; and I have to refer you to the Despatch which i
addressed to you on the first of this month, conveying to you my authority for
sending Representatives! from Nova Scotia to the proposed Conference,
I have, &c,y
^Signed) EDWARD CARDWELK
Lieutenant Governor
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C, B,, &c., &e,, &e.

^^- ^3-) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia,
3rd October^ 1864,
Sir, —
In reference to my Despatch No. 20, of the 29th ultimo, I hare now the honor
to state that on t\io 1st mst. I received from the Governor General tLptnW?
formal invitation to appoint Delegates on the part of thS ProvSLo confer af
Quebec with the Canadian Ministers on the subiect of TTninTt Z^ i i^o comer at
British North American Provinces. ^ ^"^ ""^ Federation of the
2 As the GoA^ernor General holds the commission of Governor-in ChiVrnf
Nova Scotia, and I may fairly assume tliit TTi'« T..^.> ^ ¦ • ,^^*^^nor-in-uniet ot
views of Her Majesty's GoverrmeS as to fh? p^?..^ ^^ '' f" possession of the
discussion, I felt that I could nTrefase to com,.lvlTti^^ '^ permitting such a
accordingly this day nominated tt'sarStWn i' SSeT'to' O ^r
whom I had previously appointed to assist at the cZi:^n.fSv^^:il^:i
Ho'nble^'^TrSr'y^^t^^ f-^-I. the
M. L. C, ; the Honble, l B, Dicl4, mX% '^, ^s (f r^^SL^^ E^^
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,
Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M. P., &c.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 13

Quebec, 23rd September, 1864.
Sir, —
I have the honor to transmit a copy of an approved Minute of the Executive
Council of Canada respecting the proposal to hold a Conference of Del^ates from
the Colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Noav-
foundland, with the Ministers of Canada, to consider the question of a Union of
these Colonies and to digest a scheme for the practical realization of the idea,
which may be submitted as embodying the joint opinions of the Governments of
the several Provinces to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view to
obtaining his sanctioh for legislation on the subject.
In conformity with the request contained in this Minute, i have the honor to
invite you to name a deputation to represent your Province in the approaching
Conference, which will meet at Quebec on the 10th October.
I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, &c., &c., &c.

Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Executive Council approved by His Excellency
the Governor General, on the 23rd September, 1864.
The Committee of 'Council has the honor to inform your Excellency that the
Deputation from the Executive Council Avho met the Delegates from the Maritime
Provinces at Charlottetown on the 1st instant, in accordance with the order in
Council on the 29th ultimo, have reported that such Conference duly met, and that
the question of a Confederation of the British North American Colonies Avas dis
cussed at length, and such progress made that it was thought desirable by the
Conference that the subject should be resumed in a formal and official manner,
under the authority of the Governments of the several Provinces.
The Committee have therefore the honor to advise and submit for your Excel
lency's approval, that the several Governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
Prince EdAvard Island, and NoAvfoundland, be invited to appoint Delegates under
the authority of the Despatch of the Secretary for the Colonies to the Lieutenant
Governor of Nova Scotia, dated 6th July, 1862, and communicated by the Colonial
Office to your Excellency by a Despatch of the same date, to confer Avith the
Canadian Government on the subject of a Union or Federation of the British
North American Provinces.
The Committee beg leave further to recommend that Quebec be selected as the
place, and the tenth of October next the time, for the meeting, as they have ascer
tained that such time and place will meet the vieAVS and convenience of the several
Governments. (Certified.) (Signed) WM. H. LEE, C. E. C.

Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
'3rd October, 1864.
My Lord,-^
I have the honor to acknoAvledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 23rd ult.,
which reached me on the 30th ult., transmitting a copy of an approved ]Mmute
of the Executive Council of Canada, dated the 23rd September, 1864, and inA'iting
me to name a Deputation to represent Nova Scotia in the approaching Conference
at Quebec, on the 10th inst. ,,.,-. .- ., , r ^
In reply, T have the honor to state, for your Lordship s mtormation, that 1 have
laid your Despatch and its enclosure before my Ministry, and I have appointed

14 UNION OF THE COLONIES.
the Hon. Provincial Secretary, the Hon. Attorney General, the Hon. R. B. Dickey,
the Hon. J. McCully, and A. G. Archibald, Esq., to form a Deputation to meet
the Delegates from the other British Provinces in Conference at Quebec, on the
10th inst., as proposed in your Lordship's Despatch.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
His Excellency the Governor General Viscount Monck.

Government House, Quebec,
12th November, 1864.
Sir, —
Referring to my Despatch of the 23rd September, and to your answer of 3rd
October, I have the honor to inform you that the gentlemen named by you to re
present Nova Scotia, began their consultations with the Delegates from the other
Provinces, and the Ministers of Canada, on the 10th October.
The Members of the Conference chose Sir E. P. Tach€, Prime Minister of Ca
nada as their Chairman, and I have now the honor to transmit to you, a copy of
the Resolutions adopted by the Conference, authenticated by the signature of that
gentleman. I have also transmitted a similar copy to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for
the Colonies, and to the Lieut.-Governor of New Brunswick and Prince Edward
Island, and the Governor of Newfoundland. I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
Lieut.-Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C. B.

(No. 41.) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia,
8th December, 1864.
Sir, —
The enclosed copy of the Resolutions adopted at the Quebec Conference only
reached me on the 6th inst., as there was considerable and still unexplained delay
in transmitting from Canada a copy to the Delegates from this Province.
2. Those gentlemen do not think it necessary to accompany their Report with
any detailed explanations. Long ere this can reach you I am sure you will have
been put by Lord Monck fully in possession of all the proceedings and Resolutions
of the Conference-. You are also otherwise acquainted with my own individual
opinions. It is therefore unnecessary in this Despatch to enter into any further
details. I shall, for the present, follow the example of the Delegates, and await
some expression of the intention of Her Majesty's Government in reference to the
proposed Federation. I am convinced that there exists, both on the part of the
public and of the present Ministry, a very general disposition to show all due
deference to the opinions and wishes of Her Majesty's Government.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M. P., &e.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 15
Halifax, N. S., 5th December, 1864.
May it please your Excellency, —
The undersigned Delegates appointed by your Excellency at the request of the
Governor General, and charged to confer at the Quebec Conference upon the sub
ject of a Union of the British North American Provinces, have the honor to sub
mit their Report.
The Conference consisted of the following members :
FOR CANADA.
The Hon. Sir E, P. Tache, M. L. C, Receiver General and Minister of Militia.
John A. MacDonald, M. P. P., Attorney General, (U. Canada.)
G. E. Cartier, M. P. P., Attorney General, (L. Canada.)
George Brown, M. P. P., President of Executive Council.
0. MowATT, M. P. P., Postmaster General.
A. F. Galt, M. p. p., Minister of Finance.
T. D. McGee, M. P. P., Minister of Agriculture.
William McDougall, M. P. P., Provincial Secretary.
Alexander Campbell, M. L. C, Commissioner of Crown Lands.
J. C. Chappias, M. p. p., Commissioner of Public Works.
J. H. Langevin, Solicitor General, (Lower Canada.)
James Cockburn, M. P. P., Solicitor General, (Upper Canada.)
FOR NOVA SCOTIA.
The Hon. Charles Tupper, M. P. P., Provincial Secretary.
W. A. Henry, M. P. P., Attorney General.
J. MCCULLT, M. L. C.
Robert B. Dickey, M. L. C.
Adams G. Archibald^ Esq., M. P. P.
FOR NEW BRUNSWICK.
The Hon. S. L. Tilley, Provincial and Financial Secretary.
W. H. Steeves, M. L. C, M. E. C.
J. M. Johnson, M. P. P., Attorney General.
P. Mitchell, M. L. C, M. E. C.
E. B. Chandler, M. L. C.
Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. John H. Gray, M. P. P.
The Hon. Charles Fisher, M. P. P.
FOR NEWFOUNDLAND.
P. B. T. Carter, Esq., M. P. P.
John Ambrose Shea, Esq., M. P. P.
FOR PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.
Colonel the Hon. J. H. Gray, M. P. P.
The Hon. E. Palmer, Attorney General.
W. H. Pope, Colonial Secretary.
A. A. MacDonald, M. L. C.
G. Coles, M. P. P.
T. H. Haviland, M. p. R
E. Whdlah, M. p. p.

16 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

The foregoing Members having met at -the Parliament House in Quebec on the
tenth day of October last, the Conference was organized by the appointment of
the Hon. Sir E. P. Tache Chairman, and the Hon. Messrs. William McDougall,
Charles Tupper, S. L. Tilley, Ambrose Shea, and W. li. Pope, Joint Secretaries.
H. Bernard, Esq., was nominated by the Secretaries Executive Secretary, and
approved by the Conference.
After deliberating daily at great length until Thursday the 27th October, the
Conference adjourned to Montreal, where a final meeting was held on the 29th
October. At this meeting it was unanimously resolved that the various Dele
gates should present the annexed Report as the common result at which the
Conference had arrived, and which it was agreed should be authenticated by the
signatures of all the Members. Dealing, as this Report does, with every branch
of the subject, it is not necessary that any elaborate remarks should be added in
order to place the whole question -fully before your Excellency, but we have much
gratification in stating that nothing was more conspicuous in the discussions of
the Conference than a unanimous sentiment of devoted loyalty to the Crown, ar
dent attachment to British Institutions, and a uniform desire to adopt such a
Constitution as would unite the resources of all the Provinces represented in a
common effort to preserA^e the rights and liberties which their inhabitants now
enjoy as British subjects, and to ensure their continued connection with the Pa
rent State.
The undersigned cannot conclude this Report without placing on record their
lively appreciation of the uniform good feeling which marked the deliberations
of the Conference, and the extreme courtesy and kindness manifested on every
occasion by the Government and people of Canada to the Delegates from the
Maritime Provinces.
All of Avhich is respectfully submitted. CHARLES TUPPER,
W. A. HENRY,
J. McCULLY,
ADAMS G. ARCHIBALD.
Lieut.-Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C.B,

REPORT

Of Resolutions adopted at a Conference of Delegates from, the Provinces of Canada,
Nova Scotia, and Neiv Brunswick, and the Colonies of Newfoundland and Prince
Edward Island, held at the City of Quebec, 10th October, 1864, as the Basis of a
proposed Confederation of those Provinces and Colonies.
1. The best interests and present and future prosperity of British North
America will be promoted by a Federal Union under the Crown of Great Britain,
provided such Union can be effected on principles just to the several Provinces.
2. In the Federation of the British North American Provinces the system of
Government best adapted under existing circumstances to protect the diversified
interests of the several Provinces and to secure efficiency, harmony and perma
nency in the working of the Union, — would be a general Government charged
with matters of common interest to the whole Country, and Local Governments
for each of the Canadas and for the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island, charged with the control of local matters in their
respective sections, — Provision being made for the admission into the Union on
equitable terms of NcAvfoundland, the North-West Territory, British Columbia
and Vancouver. '
3. In framing a Constitution for the General Government, the Conference
with a view to the perpetuation of our connection with the Mother Country, and
to the promotion of the best interests of the people of these Provinces, desire to
follow the model of the British Constitution, so far as our circunistances will
permit.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 17

4. The Executive Authority or Government shall be vested in the Sovereign
of the_ United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and be administered
according to the well understood principles of the British Constitution by the
Sovereign personally or by the RepresentatiA-e of the Sovereign duly authorized.
5. The SoA'ereign or Representative of the Sovereign shall be Commander in
Chief of the Land and Naval Militia Forces.
6. _ There shall be a General Legislature or Parliament for the Federated
Provinces, composed of a Legislative Council and a House of Commons.
7. For the purpose of forming the Legislative Council, the Federated Provinces
shall be considered as consisting of three divisions, 1st. Upper Canada, 2nd.
LoAver Canada, 3rd. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island,
each diAdsion Avith an equal representation in the Legislative Council.
8. Upper Canada shall be represented in the Legislative Council by 24 Mem
bers, LoAver Canada by 24 Members, and the three Maritime Province by 24
Members, of AA'hich Nova Scotia shall have Ten, New BrunsAvick, Ten, and Prince
Edward Island, Four Members.
9. The Colony of NeAvfoundland shall be entitled to enter the proposed Union,
with a representation in the Legislative Council of Four Members.
10. The North-West Territory, British Columbia and Vancouver shall be
admitted into the Union, on such terms and conditions as the Parliament of the
Federated Provinces shall deem equitable, and as shall receive the assent of Her
Majesty ; and in the case of the ProAdnce of British Columbia or Vancouver, as
shall be agreed to by the Legislature of such ProAdnce.
11. The Members of the Legislative Council shall be appointed by the Crown
under the Great Seal of the General Government, and shall hold office during
Life ; if any Legislative Councillor shall, for two consecutiA^e sessions of Parliament,
fail to give his attendance in the said Council, his seat shall thereby become vacant.
12. The Members of the Legislative Council shall be British Subjects by Birth
or Naturalization, of the full age of Thirty Years, shall possess a continuous real
property qualification of four thousand dollars over and above all incumbrances,
and shall be and continue worth that sum over and aboA^e their debts and liabil
ities ; but in the case of Newfoundland and Prince EdAvard Island, the property
may be either real or personal.
13. If any question shall arise as to the qualification of a Legislative Council
lor, the same shall be determined by the Council.
14. The first selection of the Members of the Legislative Council, shall be
made, except as regards Prince Edward Island, from the LegislatiA'e Councils of
the various Provinces, so far as a sufficient number be found qualified and willing
to serve ; such Members shall be appointed by the Crown at the recommendation
of the GJ-eneral Executive Government, upon the nomination of the respective
Local Governments, and in such nomination, due regard shall be had to the
claims of the Members of the Legislative Council of the op]3osition in each Pro
vince, so that all political parties may as nearly as possible be fairly represented.
15. The Speaker of the Legislative Council (unless otherwise provided by
Parliament), shall be appointed by the Crown from among the Members of the
Legislative Council, and shall hold office during pleasure, and shall only be enti
tled to a casting vote on an equality of votes.
16. Each of the twenty-four Legislative Councillors representing Lower Ca
nada in the Legislative Council of the General Legislature, shall be appointed to
represent one of the twenty-four Electoral Divisions mentioned in Schedule A of
Chapter first of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, and such Councillor shall
reside or possess his qualification in the Division he is appointed to represent.
17. The basis of Representation in the House of Commons, shall be Popula
tion, as determined by the Official Census eA^ery ten years : and the number of
Members at first shall be 194, distributed as follows :
Upper Canada  82
Lower Canada  65
Nova Scotia  19
NeAV Brunswick  15
Newfoundland  8
3 and Prince Edward Island  5

18 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

18. Until the Official Census of 1871 has been made up, there shall be no
change in the number of Representatives from the several sections.
19. Immediately after the completion of the Census of 1871, and immediately
after every Decennial Census thereafter, the Representation from each section m
the House of Commons shall be re-adjusted on the basis of Population.
20. For the purpose of such re-adjustments, LoAver Canada shall always be
assigned sixty-five Members, and each of the other sections shall at eaich re-adjust
ment receive, for the ten years then next succeeding, the number of Members to
Avhich it will be entitled on the same ratio of Representation to Population as
Lower Canada Avill enjoy according to the Census last taken by having sixty-
five Members.
21. No reduction shall be made in the number of Members returned by any
section, unless its population shall have decreased relatively to the population of
the Avhole Union, to the extent of five per centum.
22. In computing at each -decennial period, the number of Members to which
each section is entitled, no fractional parts shall be considered, unless when
exceeding one-half the number entitling to a Member, in Avhich case a Member
shall be given for each such fractional part.
23. The Legislature of each Province shall diAdde such Province into the
proper number of constituencies, and define the boundaries of each of them.
24. The Local Legislature of each Province may, from time to time, alter the
Electoral Districts for the purposes of Representation in such Local Legislature,
and distribute the Representatives to Avhich the Province is entitled, in any
manner such Legislature may think fit.
25. The number of Members may at any time be increased by the General
Parliament, — regard being had to the proportionate rights then existing.
26. Until provisions are made by the Gener.al Parliament, all the Laws which
at the date of the Proclamation constituting the Union, are in force in the Pro
vinces respectively, relating tp the qualification and disqualification of any person
to be elected or to sit or vote as a member of the Assembly in the said Provinces
respectively — and relating to the qualification or disqualification of voters, and
to the oaths to be taken by voters, and to Returning Officers and their poAvers
and duties, — and relating to the proceedings at Elections, — and to the period
during Avhich such Elections may be continued, and relating to the Trial of Con
troverted Elections, and the proceedings incident thereto and relating to the va
cating of seat? of Members and to the issuing* and execution of noAV Writs in case
of any seat being A^acated otherAvise than by a dissolution, — shall respectively
apply to Elections of Members to serve in the House of Commons, for places
situate in those Provinces respectively.
27. Every House of Commons shall continue for five years from the day of
the return of thoAvrits choosing the same, and no longer, subject, nevertheless,
to be sooner prorogued or dissolved by the Governor.
28. There shall be a Session of the General Parliament once at least in every
year, _so_ that a period of twelve calendar months shall not intervene between the
last sitting of the General Parliament in one Session and the first sitting thereof
in the next session.
29. The General Parliament shall have power to make LaAvs for the peace
welfare and good Government of the Federated Provinces (saving the Sovereit^nty
of England) and especially Laws respecting the following subjects :  *
1. The Public Debt and Property.
2. The Regulation of Trade and Commerce.
3. The imposition or regulation of Duties of Customs on Imports and
Exports, except on exports of Timber, Logs, Masts, Spars, Deals, and
baAvn Lumber and of Coal and other Minerals.
4. The imposition or regulation of Excise Duties.
5. The raising of money by all or any other modes or systems of Taxation
6. The BorroAvmg of Money on the Public Credit.
7. Postal Service.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 19

8. Lines of Steam or other Ships, Railways, Canals, and other Avorks,
connecting any two or more of the Provinces together or extending
beyond the limits of any Province.
9. Lines of Steamships between the Federated Provinces and other Countries.
10. TelegraphicCommunicationandtheincorporationof Telegraph Companies.
11. All such works as shall, although lying Avholly Avithin any Province be
specially declared by the Acts authorizing them to be for the general
advantage.
12. The Census.
13. Militia — Military and NaA'al Service and Defence.
14. Beacons, Buoys and Light Houses.
15. Navigation and Shipping.
16. Quarantine.
17. Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries.
18. Ferries betAveen any Province and a Foreign Country, or between any
two Provinces.
19. Currency and Coinage.
20. Banking, Incorporation of Banks, and the issue of paper money.
21. Savings Banks.
22. Weights and Measures.
23. Bills of Exchange and Promissary Notes.
24. Interest,
25. Legal Tender.
26. Bankruptcy and Insolvency.
27. Patents of Invention and Discovery.
28. Copy Rights.
29. Indians and Lands reserA^ed for the Indians.
30. Naturalization and Aliens.
31. Marriage and Divorce.
32. The Criminal Law, excepting the Constitution of the Courts of Criminal
Jurisdiction, but including the procedure in Criminal matters.
33. Rendering uniform all or any of the laws relative to property and civil
rights in Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland,
and Prince Edward Island, and rendering uniform the procedure of
all or any of the Courts in these ProAdnces ; but any Statute for this
purpose shall have no force or authority in any Province until sanc
tioned by the Legislature thereof.
34. The establishment of a General Court of Appeal for the Federated
Provinces.
35. Immigration.
36. Agriculture.
37. And Generally respecting all matters of a general character, not specially
and exclusively reserved for the Local Governments and Legislatures.

30. The General Government and Parliament shall have all powers necessary
or proper for performing the obligations of the Federated Provinces, as part of
the British Empire, to Foreign Countries, arising under Treaties between Great
Britain and such Countries.
31. The General Parliament may also, fvom time to time, establish additional
Courts, and the General Government may appoint Judges and Officers thereof,
when the same shall appear necessary or for the public advantage, in order to
the due execution of the laws of Parliament.
32. All Courts, Judges and Officers of the several Provinces shall aid, assist
and obey the General Government in the exercise of its rights and powers, and
for such purposes shall be held to be Courts, Judges and Officers of the General
Government. 33. The General Government shall appoint and pay the Judges of the Superior
Courts in each Province, and of the County Courts of Upper Canada, and
Parliament shall fix their salaries.

20 UNION OF THE COLONIES,

34. Until the Consolidation of the Laws of Upper Canada, NeAV BrunsAvick,
Nova Scotia, NeAvfoundland, and Prince EdAvard Island, the Judges of these
Provinces appointed by the General Government, shall be selected from their
respective Bars.
35. The Judges of the Courts of Lower Canada shall be selected from the Bar
©f LoAver Canada.
36. The Judges of the Court of Admiralty now receiving salaries shall be
paid by the General Government,
37. The Judges of the Superior Courts »hall hold their offices during good
behaviour, and shall be removable only on the Address of both Houses of
Parliament, L.OCAL GOVERNMENT,
38. For each of the Provinces there shall be an Executive Officer, styled the
Lieutenant Governor, Avho shall be appointed by the Governor General in
Council, under the Great Seal of the Federated Provinces during pleasure : such
pleasure not to be exercised before the expiration of the first five years, except for
cause: such cause to be communicated in Avriting to the Lieutenant Governor
immediately after the exercise of the pleasure as aforesaid, and also by message
to both Houses of Parliament, Avithin the first Aveek of the first Session afterwards,
39. The Lieutenant Governor of each Province shall be paid by the General
Government. 40. In undertaking to pay the salaries of the Lieutenant Governors, the
Conference does not desire to prejudice the claim of Prince Edward Island upon
the Imperial Government for the amount noAV paid for the salary of the Lieutenant
Governor thereof,
41. The Local Government and Legislature of each Province s-hall be con
structed in such manner as the existing Legislature of such Province shall provide,
42. The Local Legislatures shall have power to alter or amend their consti
tution from time to time.
43. The Local Legislatures shall have power to make Laws respecting the
following subjects. -.
1. Direct Taxation and the imposition of Duties on the Export of Timber,
Logs, Masts, Spars, Deals and Sawn Lumber and of Coals and other
Minerals,
2. Borrowing Money on the credit of the Province.
3. The establishment and tenure of local Offices, and the appointment and
payment of local Officers,
4. AgTiculture,
5. Immigration.
6. Education ; saving the rights and privileges Avhich the Protestant or
Catholic minority in both Canadas may possess as to their Denomi
national Schools, at the time when the Union goes into operation,
7. The sale and management of Public Lands, excepting lands belono-ing
to the General Government, ^
8. Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries,
9. The establishment, maintenance and management of Penitentiaries, and
of Public and Reformatory Prisons,
10. The establishment, maintenance and management of Hospitals, Asylums,
Charities and Eleemosynary Institutions,
11. Municipal Institutions,
12. Shop, Saloon, Tavern, Auctioneer and other licenses.
13. Local Works.
14. The Incorporation of private or local Companies, except such as relate
to matters assigned to the General Parliament.
15. Property and civil rights, excepting those portions thereof assigned to
the General Parliament.
16. Inflcting punishment by fine, penalties, imprisonment or otherAvise for
the breach of laAVS passed in relation to any subject Avithin their
jurisdiction.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 21

17. The Administration of Justice, including the Constitution, maintenance
and organization of the Courts — both of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction,
and including also the Procedure in Civil Matters.
18. And generally all matters of a private or local nature, not assigned to
the General Parliament.
44. The power of respiting, reprieving and pardoning Prisoners convicted of
crimes, and of commuting and remitting of sentences in AAdiole or in part, Avhich
belongs of right to the Crown, shall be administered by the Lieutenant GoA^ernor
of each Province in Council, subject to any instructions he may from time to time
receive from the General Government, and subject to any provisions that may
be made in this behalf by the General Parliament.
MISCELLANEOUS,
45. In regard to all subjects over Avhich jurisdiction belongs to both the Gene
ral and Local Legislatures, the laws of the General Parliament shall control and
supersede those made by the Local Legislature, and the latter shall be void so far
as they are repugnant to or inconsistent with the former.
46. • Both the English and French languages may be employed in the General
Parliament and in its proceedings, and in the Local Legislature of Lower Canada,
and also in the Federal Courts and in the Courts of LoAver Canada.
47. No lands or property belonging to the General or Local Government shall
be liable to taxation.
48. All Bills for appropriating any part of the Public Revenue, or for impo
sing any new Tax or Impost, shall originate in the House of Commons or the
House of Assembly, as the case may be.
49. The House of Commons or House of Assembly shall not originate or pass
any Vote, Resolution, Address or Bill for the appropriation of any part of the
Public Revenue, or of any Tax or Impost to any purpose, not first recommended
by Message of the Governor General, or the Lieutenant Governor, as the case
may be, during the Session in which such Vote, Resolution, Address or Bill is
passed. 50. Any Bill of the General Parliament may be reserved m the usual manner
for Her Majesty's Assent, and any Bill of the Local Legislatures may in Hke
manner be reserved for the consideration of the Governor General.
51. Any Bill passed by the General Parliament shall be subject to disallowance
by Her Majesty within two years, as in the case of Bills passed by the Legisla
tures of the said Provinces hitherto, and in like manner any Bill passed by a
Local Legislature shall be -subject to disallowance by the Governor General withm
one year after the passing thereof. , . ¦,, , r^^
52. The Seat of Government of the Federated Provinces shall be Ottawa,
subiect to the Royal Prerogative. . -^ -, ^ . xi o .^
53. Subject to any future action of the respective Local Governments, the beat
of the Local Government in Upper Canada shall be Toronto ; of Lower Canada,
Quebec ; and the Seats of the Local Governments in the other Provinces shall be
as at present. PROPERTY AND LIABILITIES,
54, All stocks. Cash, Bankers' Balances and Securities for money belonging
to each Province, at the time of the Union, except as hereinafter mentioned, shall
belong to the General Government. , -o • i n v i
55, The following Public Works and Property of each Province, shall belong
to the General Government— to wit :
1. Canals ;
2. Public Harbours;
3. Light Houses and Piers ;
4. Steamboats, Dredges and Public Vessels ;
5. RiA'er and Lake Improvements ;

22 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

6. Railway and Railway Stocks, Mortgages and other Debts due by
Railway Companies ;
7. Military Roads ;
8. Custom Houses, Post Offices and other Public Buildings, except such
as may be set aside by the General Government for the use of the
Local Legislatures and Governments ;
9. Property transferred by the Imperial Government and known as Ord
nance Property ;
10. Armories, Drill Sheds, Military Clothing and Munitions of War ; and
11. Lands set apart for Public purposes.
56. All lands, mines, minerals and royalties vested in Her Majesty in the
Provinces of Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, Noav Brunswick, and
Prince Edward Island, for the use of such Provinces, shall belong to the Local
Government of the territory in Avhich the same are so situate ;_ subject to any
trusts that may exist in respect to any of such lands or to any interest of other
persons in respect of the same.
57. All sums due from purchasers or lessees of such lands, mines or minerals
at the time of the Union, shall also belong to the Local Governments.
58. All assets connected Avith such portions of the public debt of any Province
as are assumed by the Local Governments, shall also belong to those Governments
respectively. 59. The several Provinces shall retain all other Public Property therein, subject
to the right of the General Government to assume any Lands or Public Property
required for Fortifications or the Defence of the Country.
60. The General Government shall assume all the Debts and Liabilities of
each ProAdnce.
61. The Debt of Canada not specially assumed by Upper and Lower Canada
respectively, shall not exceed at the time of the Union  $62,500,000
Nova Scotia shall enter the Union with a debt not exceeding. . 8,000,000
And New BrunsAvick, with a debt not exceeding  7,000,000
62. In case Nova Scotia or New BrunsAvick do not incur liabilities beyond
those for Avhich their Governments are nOAv bound and Avhich shall make their
debts at the date of Union less than $8,000,000 and $7,000,000 respectively, they
shall be entitled to interest at 5 per cent, on the amount not so incurred, in like
manner as is hereinafter provided for NeAvfoundland and Prince Edward Island ;
the foregoing resolution being in no respect intended to limit the poAvers giAren to
the respective Governments of those Provinces by LegislatiA^e authority, but only
to limit the maximum amount of charge to be assumed by the General Govern
ment. Provided always that the poAvers so conferred by the respective Legislatures
shall be exercised Avithin five years from this date or the same shall then lapse.
63. NeAvfoundland and Prince Edward Island, not haAdng incurred debts equal
to those of the other Provinces, shall be entitled to receive by half yearly pay
ments in advance from the General Government the Interest at five per cent, on
the difference between the actual amount of their respective Debts at the time of
the Union, and the average amount of indebtedness per head of the population
of Canada, NoA^a Scotia, and Noav BrunsAvick.
64. In consideration of the transfer to the General Parliament of the poAvers
of Taxation, an annual grant in aid of each Province shall be made, equal to 80
cents per head of the Population, as established by the Census of 1861, the
population of Newfoundland being estimated at 130,000. Such aid shall be in
full settlement of all future demands upon the General Government for local
purposes, and shall be paid half-yearly in advance to each Province.
65. The position of New Brunswick being such as to entail large immediate
charges upon her local revenues, it is agreed that for the period of ten years from
the time Avhen the Union takes effect, an additional alloAvance of $63,000 per
annum shall be made to that Province. But that so long as the liability of that
Province remains under $7,000,000, a deduction equal to the interest on such
deficiency shall be made from the $63,000.
66. In Consideration of the surrender to the General Government by New-

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 23

foundland of all its rights in Mines and Minerals, and of all the ungranted and
unoccupied Lands of the CroAvn, it is agreed that the sum of $150,000 shall each
year be paid to that ProAdnce, by semi-annual payments. Provided that that
Colony shall retain the right of opening, constructing and controlling Roads and
Bridges through any of the said Lands, subject to any Laws which the General
Parliament may pass in respect of the same.
67. All engagements that may, before the Union, be entered into with the
Imperial Government for the Defence of the Country shall be assumed by the
General Government.
68. The General Government shall secure, without delay, the completion of
the Intercolonial Railway from Riviere-du-Loup through Noav Brunswick to
Truro in Nova Scotia.
69. The communications Avith the North- Western Territory, and the improve
ments required for the developement of the Trade of the Great West with the
Seaboard, are regarded by this Conference as subjects of the highest importance to
the Federated Provinces,- and shall be prosecuted at the earliest possible period that
the state of the Finances will permit.
70. The Sanction of the Imperial and Local Parliaments shall be sought for the
Union of the Provinces, on the principles adopted by the Conference.
71. That Her Majesty the Queen be solicited to determine the rank and name
of the Federated Provinces.
72. The proceedings of the Conference shall be authenticated by the signatures
of the Delegates, and submitted by each Delegation to its own Government, and the
Chairman is authorized to submit a copy to the Governor General for transmission
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(Nova Scotia— No. 3.) Downing Street, 7th January, 1865.
Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 41, of the
8th of December, enclosing a copy of the resolutions adopted at the Conference
recently held at Quebec on the subject of the Union of the British North American
Provinces. I have, &c., (Signed) EDWAED CARDWELL.
Lieutenant Governor
Sir Richard Gr.a.ves MaoDonnell, C. B.
&c., &c., &c.

(No. 168.) Government House, Quebec, November 7th, 1864.
Sir,— Eefefring to my despatch (No. 135) of the 23rd of September, in which I have
informed you that I had invited the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, and the Governor of Newfoundland, to send
Representatives to confer with the Members of the Canadian Government on the
feasibility of effecting a Union between the Colonies of British North America, and
to my Despatches of the 14th October (No. 151), and the 2nd November (No. 165),
in which I enclosed to you the answer received to that invitation, I have the honor
to report that the several gentlemen named in the communications above referred
to as representatives of those Colonies respectively, arrived at Quebec, on Monday,
the 10th October, the day named for the assembling of the Conference.

24 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

They immediately proceeded to the consideration of the important question, the
discussion of which constituted the object of their meeting, having appointed Sir E.
P. Tache, Prime Minister of Canada, as Chairman, to preside over their deliberations.
Their sittings began on the 10th October, and continued de die in diem until the
28th of the same month.
I have now the honor to transmit the Resolutions agreed to by the Conference,
for which I would ask the favorable consideration of yourself and Her Majesty's
Government. I may state that an extended intercourse with the Members of the Conference
enables me to assure you that they were one and all actuated by the strongest feel
ings of loyalty to the Queen, the most earnest desire to maintain the connection
with England, and the Avish to make the proposed Union Avork so as to strengthen
that connection, by enabling the Provinces to take upon themseh'es more largely
the responsibilities of a self-governing community.
I do not enter into an argument to prove that a consolidation of these Provinces
is desirable, if it can be effected on principles which will give guarantees for
strength and durability.
The advantages of a well-considered plan of Union, whether looked at from the
point of administration, commerce or defence, appear to me so obvious that it would
be a waste of time to state them, and the fact that the most eminent public men of
all the Provinces concur in desiring such a Union, appears to me to go a long way
in superseding the necessity for any abstract arguments in its favor.
The plan which has been adopted by the Conference, you will observe, is the
Union of all the Provinces on the monarchical principle under one Governor, to be
appointed by the Crown, with Ministers responsible, as in England, to a Parliament
consisting of two Houses, one to be nominated by the Crown and the other elected
by the people.
To this Central Government and Legislature will be committed all the general
business of the United Provinces, and its authority on all such subjects will be
supreme, subject, of course, to the rights of the Crown and of the Imperial
Parliament. For the purpose of local administration, it is proposed to have in each Province
an Executive Officer, to be appointed by the Governor, and removable by him for
cause to be assigned, assisted by a Legislative body, the constitution of Avhich it is
proposed to leave to the decision of the present local Legislatures, subject to the
approbation of the Imperial Government and Parliament.
To these local bodies are to be entrusted the execution of certain specified duties
of a local character, and they are to have no rights or authority beyond what is
expressly delegated to them by the Act of Union.
To the General Government it is proposed to reserve the right of disallowino-
Acts passed by the local Legislatures.
I think this Avill be found a fair general outline of the constitutional portion of the
proposed scheme of Union, and I trust it will be found of such a nature as to merit
the general approbation of Tier Majesty's Government.
I do not allude to the proposed financial arrangements betAveen the different
members of the proposed Union, as these relate to questions exclusively affecting
the Provinces, and upon which I presume they may safely be allowed to adopt any
course Avhich they may themselves think conducive to their interests.
In transmitting these Resolutions for your consideration, I venture to state my
opinion that a desire for a consolidation of British North America, has taken strong
hold of the minds of the most earnest and thoughtful men in these Provinces, and I
trust, whether on the plan suggested by these Resolutions, or on some modification
of it, a Union may be effected which will satisfy the aspirations of so loyal and
influential a portion of Her Majesty's subjects.
? I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
The Right Honorable Edavard Cardavell, M. P.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 25
(Nova Scotia— No. 26.) Downing Street, 8th December, 1864.
&B, — I transmit to you a Copy of the reply of Her Majesty's Government to th^
Despatch in which Viscount Monck enclosed the resolutions adopted by the Confer
ence at Quebec. You will see that Her Majesty's Government have cordially
accepted as a whole the proposed central organization, and have reserved for further
consid-teration, when the provisions of the intended Bill shall be under review, the
details of the arrahgement by which the control of that central organization over
the intended Local Governments is to be secured. They highly appreciate the
spirit in which this important and difficult subject has been dealt with by the
Conference, and are anxious on their own part to give all the assistance in their
power towards the successful completion of the work.
I have to instruct you, therefore, to render to the Governor General all the
support you can in those future measures which he is about to take in the furtherance
of the scheme. I have, i&c., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL.
Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C. B.,
&c., &c., &c.

(Canada— No. 93.) Downing Street, 3rd December, 1864.
My Lord, —
Her Majesty's Government have received with the most cordial satisfaction
Your Lordship's Despatch of the 7th ultimo, transmitting for their consideration the
Resolutions adopted by the Representatives of the several Provinces of British Notth
America, which were assembled at Quebec.
With the sanction of the Crown, and upon the invitation of the Governor General,
men of every Province, chosen by the respective Lieutenant Governors without
distinction of party, assembled to consider questions of the utmost interest to every
subject of the Queen, of whatever race or faith, resident in those Provinces, and have
arrived at a conclusion destined to exercise a most important influence upon the
future welfare of the whole community.
Animated by the warmest sentiments of loyalty and devotion to their Sovereign, —
earnestly desirous to secure for their posterity throughout all future time the advan
tages which they enjoy as subjects Of the British Crown, — steadfastly attached to
the institutions under which they live, they have conducted their dehberations with
patient sagacity, and have arrived at unanimous conclusions on questions involving
many difficulties, and calculated, under less favorable auspices, to have given rise to
liiany differences of opinion.
Such an event is in the highest degr^ee honorable to those who ha-ve taken part
in these deliberations. It must inspire confidence in the men by whose judgment and
temper this result has been attained, and will ever remain on record as an evidence
of the salutary influenbe exercised by the Institutions under which these qualities
have been so signally developed.
Her Majesty's Government have given to your Despatch, and to the Resolutions
of the Conference, their most deliberate consideration. They have regarded them
as a -Whole, and as having been designed by those who have framed them, to establish
as complete and perfect an union of the whole into one Government, as the circum
stances of the case, and a due consideration of existing interests, would admit
They accept them, therefore, as being, in the deliberate judgment of those best
qualified to decide upon the subject — the best framework of a measure to be passed
by the Imperial Parliament for obtaining that most desirable result.
The point of principal importance to the practical well-working of the scheme, is
the accurate determination of the limits between the authority of the Central and that
of the Local Legislatures, in their relation to each other. It has not been possible to
4

26 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

exclude from the Resolutions some provisions which appear to be less consistent
than might, perhaps, have been desired with the simplicity and unity of the system.
But, upon the whole, it appears to Her Majesty's Government that precautions have
been taken, which are obviously intended to secure to the Central Government the
means of effective action throughout the several Provinces, and to guard against
those evils which must inevitably arise if any doubt were permitted to exist as to
the respective limits of Central and Local authority.
They are glad to observe that although large powers of Legislation are intended
to be vested in Local bodies, yet the principle of central control has been steadily
kept in view. The importance of this principle cannot be overrated. Its mainte
nance is essential to the practical efficiency of the system, and to its harmonious ope
ration both in the General Administration and in the Governments of the several
Provinces. A very important part of this subject is the expense which may attend
the working of the Central and the Local Governments. Her Majesty's Govern
ment cannot but express the earnest hope that the arrangements which may be
adopted in this respect, may not be of such a nature as to increase, at least in any
considerable degree, the whole expenditure, or to make any material addition to
the taxation, and thereby retard the internal industry, or tend to impose new bur
dens on the commerce of the country.
Her Majesty's Government are anxious to lose no time in conveying to you their
general approval of the proceedings of the Conference. There are, however, tAVO
provisions of great importance which seem to require revision. The first of these
is the provision contained in the 44th Resolution with respect to the exercise of the
prerogative of pardon. It appears to Her Majesty's Government that this duty be
longs to the Representative of the Sovereign, and could not with propriety be de
volved upon the Lieutenant Governors, who will, under the present scheme, be ap
pointed not directly by the Crown, but by the Central Government of the United
Provinces. The second point which Her Majesty's Government desire should be reconsidered,
is the Constitution of the Legislative Council. They appreciate the considerations
which have influenced the Conference in determining the mode in which this Body,
so important to the Constitution of the Legislature, should be composed. But it
appears to them to require further consideration whether, if the members be ap
pointed for life and their number be fixed, there will be any sufficient means of re
storing harmony betAveen the Legislative Council and the popular Assembly, if it
shall ever unfortunately happen that a decided difference of opinion shall arise be
tween them.
These two points, relating to the Prerogative of the Crown and to the Constitu
tion of the Upper Chamber, have appeared to require distinct and separate notice.
Questions of minor consequence, and matters of detailed arrangement, may properly
be reserved for a future time, Avhen the provisions of the Bill intended to be sub
mitted to the Imperial Parliament, shall come under consideration. Her Majesty's
Government anticipate no serious difficulty in this part of the case, since the Reso
lutions will generally be found sufficiently explicit to guide those who will be in
trusted with the preparation of the Bill. It appears to them, therefore, that you
should now take immediate measures, in concert with the Lieutenant Governors of
the several Provinces, for submitting to the respective Legislatures this project of
the Conference; and if, as I hope, you are able to report that these Legislatures
sanction and adopt the scheme, Her Majesty's Government will render you all the
assistance in their power for carrying it into effect.
It Avill probably be found to be the most convenient course that, in concert with
Lieutenant Governors, you should select a deputation of the persons best qualified
to proceed to this country, that they may be present during the preparation of the
Bill, and give to Her Majesty's Government the benefit of their counsel upon any
questions which may arise during the passage of the Measure through the two
Houses of Parliament. I have, &c., (Signed) E. CARDWELL.
Governor Viscount Monck,
&c., &o., &c.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 27
Government House, Quebec, 23rd December, 1864.
Sir, — Referring to my Despatches to you noted in the margin, I have the honor to
transmit for your information a Copy of a Despatch from the Secretary of State for
the Colonies in reference to the resolutions adopted by the Conference Avhich
assembled at Quebec in October last to consider the propriety of effecting a Union
of the Provinces of British North America.
In this despatch Mr. Cardwell desires me " to take immediate measures in concert
" with the Lieut. Governors of the several Provinces for submitting to their respective
" Legislatures this project of the Conference."
In pursuance of these instructions I have the honor to inform you that I have
summoned the Canadian Parliament to meet on Thursday the 19th January, 1865,
when I propose to bring before both Houses of the Legislature the important subject
referred to in Mr. Cardwell's Despatch, in order that, if the Legislature shall think
fit,' an Address may be adopted to the Queen, praying Her Majesty to direct that
steps may be taken for passing an Act of the Imperial Parliament to unite the Provinces
of British North America on the basis laid down in the resolutions adopted by the
Quebec Conference.
I shall feel much obliged if, after consulting your advisers on the subject, you will
inform me what course you intend to pursue for the purpose of giving effect to Mr.
Cardwell's instructions. I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C. B.

Government House, Halifax, N S.,
9th January, 1865.
My Lord, —
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch, of
the 23rd December, transmitting copy of the reply of Her Majesty's Principal
Secretary of State to your Lordship, expressing the views of the Queen's Govern
ment on the resolutions adopted by the Quebec Conference.
2. In reference to the course which your Lordship suggests for the purpose of
giving effect to the instructions of Her Majesty's Government, viz., to submit to the
respective Legislatures the project of the Conference, I am in a position to state
that this Government will take similar steps to those proposed to be taken in Canada.
That is to say, when the papers and correspondence connected with the subject
shall have been laid before Parliament, which I have summoned to meet on the
9th February, an Address to Her Majesty will be moved by the Leader of the
Government, praying Her Majesty to direct steps to be taken for passing an Act of
the Imperial Parliament to unite the Provinces of British North America. The
Resolutions of the Quebec Conference will be suggested as the basis of such Union,
to be carried out in such manner as may be judged by Her Majesty's Government
most compatible Avith the joint interests of the Crown and of these portions of the
British Empire. _ „ , t,- i , tt n xi ci
3. It is evident from the communication of the Right Honorable the Secretary
of State that Her Majesty's Government expects to be aided in the preparation of
a Bill embodying the suggestions of the Quebec Conference by deputations from
the respective Provinces. It also appears to myself and the members of my Gov
ernment that, to avoid the probable multiplied divergence of opinion in each Legis
lature inseparable from discussing a great variety of details m several independent
Parliaments, despite of a general agreement in the mam objects and principles of
the general scheme, it is better for these Provinces to avad themselves of the friendly

28 UNION OF THE COLONIES.

arbitrament of the Queen's Government and send Delegates to consult with the
latter during preparation of the proposed Imperial Bill. The peculiar views of
each Legislature might, if necessary, find expression in instructions to the Delegates
from each.
4. This seems the wisest and most complete mode of disposing of all questions
of Prerogative, as well as of all suggested Amendments of the Quebec Resolutions.
On all such points I and my Council feel that the simplest and most effectual mode.
of serving these Provinces is to confide in the wisdom, discretion, and friendly dis
position of the Imperial Government.
5. Any other course appears to this Government calculated to open a door to
the renewal, not of one, but of as many Cenferences as there are distinct Legisla
tures. Such a course might possibly end in the indefinite adjournment of all
Union, and this Government would view with serious apprehension the grave con
sequences and general embarrassment to public business which might be caused by
thus holding in suspense such important questions, and protracting their discussion
so late as to prevent their settlement by Imperial Legislation within the current
year. 6. I trust the above views of myself and of this Government coincide with
those of your Lordship, and that all these Provinces may attain the early realization
of their hopes of Union, by reposing a general confidence in the ability and wisdom
of Her Majesty's Government to arrange satisfactorily whatever details the Quebec
Conference may have left incomplete.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,
Lieutenant Governor.
Governor General Viscount Monck.

(No. 51.) Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
13th January, 1865.
Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith Copy of a Despatch received from Lord
Monck on the 6th inst., inquiring what course I intended to pursue for giving effect
to your instruciions, as conveyed to His Lordship in your Despatch of the 3rd
December. As I believe your instructions clearly imply the expectation that the several
Legislatures of these Provinces shall adopt an Address to the Crown, praying Her
Majesty to direct steps to be taken for passing an Imperial Act uniting these
Provinces on the general basis of the Quebec resolutions, and as that is the policy
which Lord Monck announces as intended by his Government, I have had much
pleasure in intimating the entire willingness of this Government to adhere to the
same policy. It is indeed precisely the course which I had myself recommended as
soon as I was in possession of your views on the Quebec Resolutions.
I enclose Copy of my reply to Lord Monck, which enlarges somewhat on the
reasons why it seems inexpedient to depart, in any of these Colonies, from the above
simple programme, as any departure therefrom might lead to hopeless variance. I
and my advisers feel that the proposal of Her Majesty's Government to frame the
Imperial Act with the aid of representatives of the various Colonies specially
deputed for the purpose, affords the simplest and readiest mode of adjustirig details,
which can be more effectively, as well as more wisely and completely dealt with by
the Imperial Parliament than by the possibly discordant action of several independent
Legislatures. I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M. P.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 29

(No. 55.) Government House, Halifax, N. S.,
2nd February, 1865.
Sir, — In my Despatch No. 13 of the 31st August, I had the honor to announce the
final appointment of Delegates to represent Nova Scotia at Charlottetown, for the
purpose of discussing the expediency and practicability of some Union of the
British North American Maritime Provinces.
It is only within the last few days that I have received from the Provincial Secre
tary, himself one of the Delegates and Joint Secretaries ol the Conference, the en
closed brief resumg of proceedings, which, as you are aware, became soon afterwards
practically merged in the more comprehensive Conference at Quebec.
You will observe that almost from the very commencement of the Charlottetown
Conference, at the beginning of September, Delegates from Canada, including some
of the most eminent statesmen from that country, were admitted to take part in the
proceedings and its deliberations, practically embraced a far more extensive question
than that which had been originally submitted to the consideration of the Delegates
by Resolution of their respective Legislatures.
The enclosed document is nevertheless interesting as forming a portion of the
history of proceedings to which subsequent events have given a far wider influepce
than was at first anticipated. I have, &c.,
(Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, Lieutenant Governor.
The Right Honorable Edward Cardwell, M.P.

Halifax, January 28th, 1865.
May it Please Your Excellency,-^
On behalf of the Delegates appointed by Your Excellency to attend the
Conference at Charlotte Town in September last, I beg to enclose for your informatiori
the following Report of the proceedings of that Conference, duly authenticated by
the signatures of the Chairman arid Joint Secretaries.
I have the honor, &c., (Signed) CHARLES TUPPER.
To His Excellency The Lieutenant Governor,
&c., &c., &c.

Report of proceedings of a, Conference held to consider the questioif, of a Legislative
Union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
The Conferenpe was composed of the following Delegates :
Honorable Charles Tupper, Provincial Secretary ;
" W. A. Henry, Attorney General ;
« Jonathan McCully, M. L. C. ;
« R. B. Dickey, M. L. C. ;
Adams G. Archibald, Esq., M. P. P.
Honorable S. li. Tilley, Provincial Secretary ;
« W. H. Steeves, M. L. C, M. E. C. ;
« J. M. Johnson, Attorney General ;
« E. B. Chandler, M. L. C. ;
'-' J. H. Gray, M. P. P.
Honorable Col. J. H. Gray, M. E. C;
« W. H. Pope, Colonial Secretary ;
« Edward Palmer, Attorney General ;
« George Coles, M. P. P. ;
« Andrew McDonald, M. L. C.

30 UNION OF THE COLONIES.
The Delegates met at the Colonial Building, Charlottetown, P. E. Island, on the
1st day of September, 1864, when on motion of the Hon. Charles Tupper, seconded
by the Hon. S. L. Tilley, the Hon. Col. Gray was -appointed Chairman of the
Conference. The Hon. Charles Tupper and the Hon. S. L. Tilley were appointed
Joint Secretaries.
After some time spent in general discussion, it was decided to receive a deputation
from the Government of Canada, who had arrived for the purpose of explaining to
the Conference the views of that Government upon the Union of British North
America. In conformity with that decision, the following members of the Canadian Govern
ment were received by the Conference on the 2nd day of September :
Honorable J. A. McDonald, Attorney General, C. W. ;
" G. E. Cartier, Attorney General, C. E. ;
" Geo. Brown, M. P. P., President of the Executive Council ;
" A. T. Galt, Minister of Finance ;
" T. D. McGee, Minister of Agriculture ;
" Wm. McDougall, Provincial Secretary ;
" Alex. Campbell, M. L. C, Commissr. Cr. Lands ;
" L. H. Langevin, M. P. P, Solicitor General, C. E.
The Conference met separately, and with these gentlemen daily, until Wednesday,
the 7th of December, and full and free discussion took place between them and the
members of the Conference. Upon the 7th Sept., at the invitation of the Delegates
from Nova Scotia, the Conference was adjourned to meet at Halifax, where, on the
10th Sept., it was reassembled at the Legislative Council Chamber, and the discussions
continued with the members of the Canadian Government. On the 12th of Sept.,
upon the invitation of the Delegates from New Brunswick, the Conference was
adjourned to meet at St. John, N. B.
Previous to adjournment, the Hon. J. A. McDonald announced to the Conference
that the Executive Council of Canada would advise His Excellency the Governor
General to invite the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, New-
founland, and P. E. Island, to appoint Delegates to attend a Conferance at Quebec,
to take formally into consideration the subject of a Union of all the B. N. A.
Provinces. Pursuant to adjournment the Conference met at Stubbs' Hotel, St. John, N. B., on
the 16th of Sept., when it was decided to adjourn until after the Conference to be
called at Quebec had formally discussed the larger question in all its bearings.
An adjournment accordingly took place until again called by the Chairman to
meet at such time and place as he should think fit, of AA'hich due notice should be
given by the Secretaries to the members.
Such adjourned meeting was duly called, and held at the Queen's Hotel, Toronto,
C. W., on the 3rd of November, when it was Resolved —
" That in view of the Resolutions passed at the Quebec Conference in favor of a
" Confederation of the British North American Provinces, this Conference decide to
" postpone the consideration of the question of a Legislative Union of the Maritime
" Provinces, and that the Joint Secretaries be requested to draw up a report of the
" proceedings of the Conference for the information of the Lieutenant Governors
" and of the Legislatures of the Maritime Provinces."
A vote of thanks having been passed unanimously to the Chairman for the able
manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office, the Conference was, on
motion, adjourned sine die. (Signed) J. HAMILTON GRAY, Chairman.

(Signed) CHARLES TUPPER, | ,.., „ , .
(Signed) S. L. TILLEY, | ^^'""^ Secretaries.

UNION OF THE COLONIES. 31

Quebec, 30th January, 1865.
Sir, — I have the honor to transmit for your information a Copy of the Resolution
Avhich it is proposed by my Government to move in both Houses of the Legis
lature of this Province, on the subject of the proposed Union of the British
North American Provinces.
I also enclose, as printed by the Legislative Assembly, Copies of Correspon
dence that has been laid before both Houses of the Canadian Legislature. I
I have, &c., (Signed) MONCK.
Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C. B.,
&c., &c., &c.

Resolved, — That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying
that she may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the
Imperial Parliament, for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, NeAvfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, in one
Government, with provisions based on the following Resolutions, which were
adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the said Colonies, held at the City of
Quebec on the tenth of October, 1864.
[Here follow the Resolutions verbatim.]

Halifax, February lltJi, 1865.
May it please Your Excellency, —
The Honorable Provincial Secretary has submitted for my inspection a Report
to your Excellency dated 5th December last, and signed by himself, the Hon
orable Attorney General, the Honorable J. McCully, and A. G. Archibald, Esq.,
of the result of a mission Avith which Ave were charged by your Excellency, to
attend a Conference at Quebec upon the subject of Intercolonial Union.
In that Report I am happy to be able cordially to concur,^ except as to that
portion of it which would seem to imply the unanimous action of Members of
the Conference.
As I had the misfortune to differ from my colleagues in several important
details of the scheme submitted to Your Excellency, I feel myself constrained to
withhold my signature from the Report unaccompanied by this explanation.
My regret at this circumstance is greatly diminished by the reflection that the
Rio-ht Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in his Despatch of 3rd
December last, sustains my view that the scheme is susceptible of modification
A more pleasing task remains : to acknowledge the uniform good feeling
which, during the whole of these important deliberations, subsisted between my
colleagues and myself. . ^ t? a v u
Being most unwilling to be regarded as an opponent of Federation on prin
ciples iust to the several Provinces," I venture to ask that these reasons for
the absence of my signature to the Report may receive equal publicity with
the Report itself. I have the honor to remain,
Your Excellency's humble servant, R. B. DICKEY.
To His Excellency ^ -r, <. <> b
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, C, B., &c., &c., &c.

m^^^

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Binder
GaylordBros.Inc. Makers
Syracuse, N. Y.
MT. JAN 21, IMS

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