86 PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. 1871
[
Mr. McNEILL]
Confederation had been discussed in the same manner, and before that question had
been before the people, they pronounced against it ; the consequence was there was
not now an avowed Confederate in the House. It was probable that the people would
oppose the Railway Question just as strongly as they had opposed Confederation ; and
if they did so, he believed the Government would not carry out the scheme without
their consent.
Hon. B. DAVIES.—It will require an
addition of eight per cent to our present
tariff to provide for the interest on the cost
of the raiIway, and that is only the commencement. How are Souris and St.
Peter's to get branch lines, supposing the
trunk line is constructed. We find it difficult to keep up our present roads and
bridges, and we shall get so much in debt
that I fear our liberties may be lost. This
scheme is intended to pave the way to
Confederation; for, once let Our tariff
be as high as that of Canada, no voice will
be raised against our union with that country.
1871 PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. 95
[
Mr. Lefurgy] I am glad
to think that this matter has been brought
under our notice, but cannot see what possible connection can be traced between it
and
Confederation. I have been called a Confederate,for what reason I know not,nnless
it be that I am in the habit of buying flour
from some of the Canadians. I do not
think that the Government has any idea of
bringing us into Confederation by building
a railway .
