80 COMMONS DEBATES March 19, 1873
[...] magnificent
and complete confederation of all the British
possessions. (Hear, hear.)
For these reasons any
route which placed us within the smallest
possible distance from Great Britain should receive the serious
consideration of the House; and he moved that a Select Committee
be appointed for the purpose of enquiring into the matter, to consist
of Messrs. Campbell, Anglin, Fortin, Young (Montreal West),
Young (Waterloo South), MacKay, and the mover.
Hon. Mr. ANGLlN said
the importance ofthis subject could not
well be over-estimated, but it could not have been dealt with
sooner. He wished to point out a few of the facts, as laid down in
Fleming's report, which had not been noticed by the mover of
the
resolution. The proposed route was not only the shortest to Europe
from this country, but it was also the shortest from New York to
Europe, and, therefore, in the summer season a very large passenger
traffic might reasonably be expected over this route, which
would
diminish the risks and inconvenience and sufferings of a sea
voyage.
From his own personal
knowledge he could say that the
expenditure on the continent would be a mere trifle. A branch
railway from the Intercolonial Railway, down to Shippegan would,
according to Mr. Fleming, be about 22 miles in length. He knew the
country, and knew that except on the prairies there was no country
where a railway could be more cheaply constructed. There would
be no bridges nor cuttings required of any importance. With regard
to the harbour, it was one of the finest in America. There
was
magnificent entrance to the Bay of Chaleur. The entrance to
Miramichi Bay would need some improvement, but some
expenditure would be required anyway. He considered the time had
now come when this subject should receive the serious
consideration of the Government and Parliament.
There was an
impression that the interior of Newfoundland was
waste and uninhabited; but explorations had of late been made
which showed that the country was well watered and timbered, and
a railway could be built through it without any great expense.
It might be said that
Newfoundland was not within the
Dominion, and therefore the Dominion could not be expected to
seriously entertain any project which would involve an expenditure
of public money to a very large extent upon the island. That was, no
doubt, true, but he believed the Government hoped at no distant day
to induce Newfoundland to join the Union. It was scarcely probable
that Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland would remain outside
of the Union for any very great length of time, and one of the means
of inducing Newfoundland to come into the Union probably would
be to hold out the expectation that, in addition to other advantages,
the Island would be opened up by a railway running across it,
bringing a stream oftravel to and from Europe, which would be of
great advantage to the country.
The importance of the
subject having been so fully stated by the
mover of the resolution, it was not necessary for him to dwell upon
it. He might say that
the harbour of Shippegan was very
conveniently situated on a point of land which ran down from the
mainland, having the Bay of Chaleur on one side and Miramichi on
the other, and it was stated by Mr. Fleming that this port was the
nearest point, on the mainland to Europe, excepting a point on
Gaspe, which was out of the question as a shipping point.
Hon. Sir JOHN A.
MACDONALD regretted that Hon. Mr.
Tupper was not present, as he had always taken a special interest in
the subject. He agreed that this matter was one of very great
importance, and the House was very much indebted to the mover of
the resolution for having brought the matter before them so ably.
The Committee, he had no doubt, would be able to report some
valuable suggestions, and after that, perhaps, the question
might be
again discussed by the House this session. The motion was agreed
to.
***
COLLECTING DEBTS FROM
VESSELS
Mr. KIRKPATRICK moved
that the House go into Committee
on the following resolution,-"That
it is expedient to make further
provision for the collection of demands against vessels navigating
certain lakes and inland waters of Canada for seamen's wages
and
debts contracted, for necessary provisions supplied, repairs made
and for towage and other services rendered to such vessels, and for
damages arising out of collisions by vessels, by making the same a
preferential lien on them."
He proceeded to say
that the principle of this resolution had long
been acted upon in other countries, and the Act of the Ontario
Legislature giving a lien to mechanics was an additional reason for
the passage ofthe proposed measure. He referred to cases of loss of
wages and damages, for which there was at present no remedy. If
this measure was passed, it would improve the whole shipping
interest, because it would have a tendency to reduce the rate of
wages, as employees, having a security against loss, could afford to
accept lower wages.
He argued that as a
matter relating to trade and commerce, and
shipping, it came within the jurisdiction of this House, the question
of civil rights being merely incidental to it. No local Government
could deal with it, as they could not seize a foreign vessel-at any
rate trouble would be very apt to arise if they did do so. His
measure was confined to the inland waters, as he believed
that
Admiralty Court of the Maritime Provinces had jurisdiction to deal
with the questions involved. Since he had introduced the measure
last session, he had received many assurances from gentlemen
interested in shipping that it was a much needed motion.
It was agreed to, and
the House went into Committee,
Mr. DOMVILLE in the chair.
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