730 COMMONS DEBATES
March 28, 1870
Hon. Sir Francis Hincks deep interest in the improvement of the
navigation of the Ottawa, and he was satisfied that the
policy of the Government in this matter was the correct one. That, as already
announced by the Minister of Public Works, was to first improve the
navigation between Montreal and Ottawa. The hon. member for South Renfrew
had charged the Government with discouraging trade with other countries;
but such was not the fact. With regard to the West Indies, he was not aware
that there was anything to prevent commerce with these countries.
Mr. McDougall (South Renfrew) said the Government had
discouraged trade with other countries when they voted against the proposition to
trade directly with other countries.
Hon. Sir Francis Hincks said he did not understand what
the hon. gentleman meant. There was nothing to prevent trade with the
West Indies.
Hon. Mr. Holton—Will you state what has been done of late
years as to suggestions made in the report of the Trade Committee?
Hon. Mr. Holton—Does the Hon. Finance Minister admit that
the report of the Commission has fallen still-born? That project,
which has been referred to in speeches from the Throne, and which he
vaunted as a substitute for Reciprocity has been a failure. (Hear, hear.)
Hon. Sir Francis Hincks said the principal recommendation
of the report had reference to postal communication. That subject had
engaged the most anxious attention of the Post Office Department since the time
of the Commission. But a number of circumstances had intervened
to prevent the establishment of a postal communication with the West Indies.
The principal of these was the delay of Newfoundland in coming
into the Confederation. A scheme of communication with the West Indies
had been arranged and would have been established if Newfoundland had
entered the Union.
Mr. McDonald (Middlesex West) thought that the eight feet
depth of the Erie Canal would be sufficient. It would cost $32,000,000 to
make it ten feet, and not above half that sum to make it eight feet.