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House of Commons, 21 April 1869, Canadian Confederation with Newfoundland

[...] Insolvency Law was acceptable to the House, he thought it would be found that the details could be discussed with most advantage in Committee of the Whole. He had no intention to hurry the measure, and introduced it thus early in order that they might receive upon it the views of the commercial men of all parts of the country.
The second reading was put down for Friday.
Sir John A. Macdonald brought down a message from His Excellency, graciously acknowledging the Address by the House, in reply to the Speech from the Throne.

GALT vs. CHANDLER

Hon. Mr. Galt gave notice for Friday next of an address to His Excellency for copies of all correspondence with the Imperial Government, relating to the outlay incurred by Canada in the defence of the frontier of the United States, in 1863 and 1864, and also arising out of the threatened Fenian invasion subsequently, as constituting a claim for indemnity from the United States. He said his object in giving this notice was to afford the House and opportunity of expressing their opinions upon the very extraordinary proceedings which took place in Washington on Monday last, when there was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations a resolution of Senator Chandler, whereby it was quietly proposed that all the British North American possessions should be given to the United States in liquidation of the Alabama claims. He thought that was a question which should be discussed in this House, and he had therefore given this notice.

STANDING COMMITTEE

On motion of Sir John A. Macdonald the House concurred in the lists of Standing Committees reported yesterday.

PRINTING COMMITTEE

On motion of Mr. Mackenzie a message was ordered to be sent to the Senate requesting their Honours to appoint members of a Joint Committee on printing.

NEWFOUNDLAND

Sir John A. Macdonald brought down a message from His Excellency, transmitting a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Newfoundland of the 20th March, 1869, forwarding copies of resolutions passed by the 38 COMMONS DEBATES April 21, 1869 Council and Assembly of Newfoundland, stating the terms on which they would consider It expedient to join the Dominion of Canada.

MURRAY CANAL

In reply to Mr. Keeler,
Hon. Mr. Rose said the state of the finances would not permit the Government this year to recommend an appropriation for the construction of the Murray Canal.

RECIPROCITY

In reply to Mr. Bechard,
Hon. Mr. Rose said the Government were not in possession of any official information on the subject of negotiating a Reciprocity Treaty with the United States.

RATE OF INTEREST

In reply to Mr. Masson (Soulanges),
Hon. Mr. Rose said the question of introducing a measure to limit the rate of interest throughout the Dominion was at present under the consideration of the Government.

FATHER McMAHON

In reply to Mr. Masson (Soulanges),
Sir John A. Macdonald said it was not the present intention of the Government to make any recommendation as to exercising the royal prerogative of mercy, in favour of Rev. Father McMahon and the other Fenian prisoners.

MAIL SERVICE

In reply to Mr. Cameron (Inverness),
Sir John A. Macdonald said the subject of ferrying the mail across the Strait of Canso was now under the consideration of the Post-office Department, with a view to having the ferry at such a place as would meet the views and interests of the inhabitants.

P. O. SAVINGS BANKS

In reply to Mr. Paquet,
Hon. Mr. Rose stated the Government might probably raise the amount which might be received by the Post-office Savings Banks above the present maximum of $1,000, but [...]

Source:

Canada. House of Commons Debates, 1869. Edited by P.B. Waite. Ottawa: Queen's Printer, 1975. Original scans accessible at: http://parl.canadiana.ca/.

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Selection of input documents and completion of metadata: Gordon Lyall.

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