1224 COMMONS DEBATES April 27, 1870
NORTH-WEST REPORTS
Mr. Mackenzie asked whether the reports of
the North-West Commissioners were to be distributed that day, and whether it was intended
to introduce the Bill for the Government of the
North-West that night? He had no wish to
embarrass the Government, but simply to have
matters proceeded with. There was a great deal
of anxiety in the country, and it was desirable
that the Bill should be proceeded with as soon
as possible.
Hon. Mr. Morris said that the greatest
despatch was being used by the printers, and
the reports would be down to-morrow or next
day.
Mr. Mackenzie would venture to say that if
they were in the printer's hands, they could be
brought down that night, (hear, hear). With
regard to his second question, the House was
told yesterday that the final arrangement of
the Bill was a question of hours—a day had
already passed.
Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald said he had
been working every hour on the Bill, and had
almost come to an agreement which he
believed would be acceptable to the House. He
thought that they would have been able to
introduce the Bill that afternoon, but they
could not do so till tomorrow he believed.
Mr. Mackenzie said the hon. gentleman
spoke of coming to an agreement. There must
then be two parties.
Hon. Mr. Holton—He means the hon. gentleman next him (Hon. Sir G.-É. Cartier).
Mr. Mackenzie—Of course, if there is any
difficulty between the members of the Government on this matter, it accounts for the
delay.
Hon. Sir George-É. Cartier was glad that the
hon. member for Lambton could apply to the
hon. member for Châteauguay, who seemed
able to answer for the Ministry.
At six o'clock the House arose.