CANADA. Montreal, April 27, 1849.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 434, 29 September 1849, Page 3

CANADA. Montreal, April 27, 1849.

Progress of Revolution in Canada — Continued excitement in Montreal — Burning an Effigy of the Governor in Upper Canada — Arming of the People, #c, #. Up to the present time, the British portion of the population have obeyed their leaders, and kept strictly within ihe limits prescribed by the constitution. On the other hand, the governmeut have grossly violated it, and in every step they have taken to put down the people, have become more and more entangled in the net which, during the past three weeks, they have been knitting for their own destruction. After the fearful occurrences ori the nights of the 25th and 26th instant, despatches were forwarded to his Excellency Sir B. DU rban, residing at Sorel, requesting his presence in the metropolis. The ministry desired him to proclaim martial law, but were sternly refused. A mass meeting had been called at 2p.m., the same day (Friday), and from certain information which had come to the ears of some gentlemen who had signed the requisition calling it, it was thought proper to call a preliminary meeting at Dolly's chop-house, to decide as to whether it was best to hold it. Accordingly at 11 a.m., about twenty persons met together, and Mr. Moffatt took the chair. It was reported that a party had been to General Gore, to know whether the meeting might be. held in the Champ de Mars, (or military pa-rade-ground,) and that he stated he could not grant it. The meeting became "immediately split into two parties, and a warm debate took

; pUce. Some thought it dangerous to hold it, ; as it would probably lead to rioting ; others, that it was highly impolitic to put it off, as it would just have the effect that the opposers to . its being held seemed to fear. The majority, however, thought it was prudent, and determined not to allow it to meet. Sir Allan M'Nab happened to be passing at the moment: and upon hearing the determination of the meeting, went in and persuaded them to hold it. About 3 o'clock, p.m., the proceedings were opened in the Champ de Mars. — About 3000 persons were present, and everything passed off in a quiet and orderly manner. Each speaker used his best exertions to request the assemblage to disperse peaceably, and without indulging in any outbreak similar to those lately indulged in. In the evening, Lord Elgin tnd his rebel ministry committed a most fearful and unpardonable blunder. Arms were issued by Col. Tache, one of the ministry, and Colonel Bruce, on an order, it is said of Lord Elgin as Lieut. -General, to a number of French Canadian gargons, who had enrolled themselves as a body guard, to protect the traitorrewarding peers. These men, to the number of about 500, were sworn in as special constables, and had served out to each of them a cutlass and a brace of pistols. The " Guards" (as they have been amusingly called) then proceeded to the open space in front of the Bonsecour MarJket, and then proceeded to drilliug. The officers appointed to the command of these veterans were notorious rebels of '37 and '38, and to whose swiftness of foot in those years is alone to be attributed the fact of their being first to command on this occasion. In the meantime word was brought to Sir B. DUrban, at that time closeted with the cabinet, to the effect ol what was going on. His Excellency then demanded by whose authority it hail been dared to begone, and sent General Gore to disarm them. Sir Benjamin also hauled the rebels over the coals, for the manner in which all their proceedings had been and were conducted. The military were drawn up all this time in the principal streets, and the artillery ready, in Dalhousiesquare. In the meantime the Guards happened to come into contact with a small party of English, into whom they immediately blazed. The result was, that one young man fell, wouuded in the thigh, though not dangeroubly. Upon General Gore's arriving to take away the arms, they positively refused to give them up. This morning, as soon as the occurrences of the night became known, a furor of excitement prevailed that I have never seen equalled. The British party were in raptuies of delight, and but for the prompt and energetic steps taken by the leaders of the English party, the " body-guard would have dearly repentd! their display." A deputation imme. 'lately waited upou the general, and politely informed him, that if the special constables were not disarmed, the British party would do it themselves. It was also intimated by them, that not only were arms iv the loyalists' hands but cannon also. The release of the prisoners was also demanded. A promise was given that it would be done immediately. Accordingly all the constables that could be found, were made to disarm. A great many, however, never will be got back, as the parties to whom they were given immediately secreted them. Several constables going home, had their cutlasses taken from them in the streets, and smashed into a thousand pieces. One now hangs as a trophy over the door of the office of Punch in Canada. Arming is rapidly going on amongst the " British," and should a turn out be necessary, i have every reason, to believe, it would be no contemptible display. The liibh are well i organized, and armed ; but being all annexationists, hold aloof for the present. In the afternoon, according to promise, the government released, on bail, the prisoners who had been committed to jail. At first they weie desirous of retaining the man (Perry) charged with arson, but the other four gentlemen refused to leave without him, and he was also let out. These gentlemen have published letters, addressed to Colonel Gugy, requestj ing him, in his capacity as a member of Parliament, to bring the matter before the Legislature. The same evening (Saturday), a large mob collected in the Haymarket, without any ulterior object, and only dispersed at the earnest request of Colonel Gugy and some of their favourite leaders, together with the assurance that it was likely they would be wanted shortly. The accounts from Missisquoi and the entire township, represent them as almost in open insurrection. Arms are being collected, and one storekeeper sold 100 pounds of lead in a day, to mould into bullets. Montreal, April 30, 1849. Tidings have reached us from Quebec, that in that stronghold of the French Canadians, Lord Elgin was burnt in effigy, although the troops were out at the time. Accounts from Coburg state that the light from the burning of the Governor's effigy was

seen for thirty aniles out on the Lake. In Hamilton and Toronto, the greatest excitement also prevails, A message has been sent from Kingston, offering assistance. Mr. Murray has moved the whole county of Hastings, and 2000 men will march from there, on Montreal, when requisite. Frontenac has 1000 ready. In Cornwall, J. S. Macdonalds, M. P., house has been burnt, and offers of assistance to Montreal have been ma !e. Amid the hills of Glengarry, also, there are strapping on of kits and buckling on of claymores.

Hurrah for the Queen !—l\'o! — I\'o French Domination. — Englishmen can make Laws for themselves. — Resolutions unanimously adopted by the Brockville League. D. B. O. Ford, Esq., President, in the chair; W. B. M'Lean, Esq., barrister, Secretary. The follow ing resolutions were unanimously adoptpd :—: — On motion of Robert Peden, Esq., J.P. — Resolved — that the name of this society be changed fioni the Brockville British American Association to the Brockville Branch of the British American League. On motion of John Crawford, Esq., President of the Board of Police — Resolved — That this society has heard with j feelings of profound regret that the Parliament buildings, with the public libraries and j records, have been destroyed by fire, and that this meeting is of opinion that bad not the British Government broken faith with Upper Canada, by removing the seat of government from within its limits, such a catastrophe would not have occurred. On motion of Paul Glasford, Esq., J.P. — Resolved — That this meeting, while it deplores and abhors so wanton a destruction of public property, cannot but express its utter astonishment at the career of madness and folly which has characterized the administration of the Earl of Elgin, in assenting in her Majesty's name to so hateful and so utterly unjustifiable a measure as the Rebellion Indemnity Bill, and which assent has led not alone to the act which this meeting deplores, but which may, in all human probability — if not disallowed by her Majesty — lead to consequences still more serious and important. On motion of William Parkin, Esq., J.P. — Resolved — That the members comprising this association have at all times been distinguished by loyalty to the Crown ; a loyalty not depending upon party, but springing from principle and intelligence, and evincing the sincerity of its devotion, in the most gloomy hours and under the most trying circumstances : that such loyalty was officially repudiated in the parliamentary declaration of the ministers of Lord Elgin, which ministers declared such loyalty to be treason against the people, and those who risked their lives in defence of British connection, as traitors to the liberties of their country. On motion of Robert Hervey, of Maitland Mills, Esq. — Resolved — That, however offensive and insulting such declarations were, as emanating from the paid and confidential servants of the Provincial Executive, they might be borne with for the present; but when the royal sanction is given to an act, by which the public taxes are to be appropriated to reward the rebellious and misguided men who took up arms against her Majesty in 1837 and 1838, this meeting cannot hesitate to characterize such an act as im'raoral in principle, as treacherous to the Crown, and as tantamount to a legal acknowledgementandjusti6ration of rebellion. On motion of Mr. Arthur Parr — Resolved — That requisitions be forthwith prepared, one to the Warden of the District, and the other to the President of the Town Corporation, requesting those functionaries to convene public meetings of the people, to consider the propriety of adopting addresses to her Majesty the Queen, to recall Lord Elgin, to disallow the bill to indemnify the rebels, and to dissolve the Parliament. On motion of Ogle R. Gowan, Esq., J.P., Warden of the District — Resolved — That a general meeting of the association be held ou Tuesday evening, the Bth of May, at 8 o'clock precisely, to choose a delegate or delegates to represent this society at the proposed convention of the British inhabitants of Canada. On motion of Thomas F. M'Queen, Esq., M. D.— Resolved — That at the public meeting of the district, to be convened by the Warden, it be a recommendation to the people there to be assembled, to organise a branch of the league in each township, to the end that the most effectual means may be resorted to, to procure atonement and redress for the atrocity inflicted upon the loyalty and morals of the people by the Bill for the Indemnification of Rebels. (Signed) D. B. O. Ford, President. W. B. M'Lean, Secretary, Brockville, 27ih April, 1849.

Turn Out! Turn Out! The members of the Corporation and the other inhabitants of the town who desire to mark their sense of indignation and abhorrence at the conduct of the Ear] of Elgin in prostituting the Queen's name, by assenting to the Rebel Indemnity Bill, will assemble this evening, at half-past seven o'clock, on the public square of the town, in front of the Court House, to witness the burning of His Lordship's effigy, and to adopt such other proceedings as may be deemed advisable. The Warden oT the District, the President of the Board of Police, and the High Constable, will see to the preservation of peace and order. God save the Queen. Brockville, April 28, 1849.

In two days more, it is expected, everything will be complete ; and then the first acts, it is considered, ought to be the ordering home of Lord Elgin, the meeting of the convention, and strengthening the reins of government in Mr. Bergen's hands. The people will not lose the opportunity afforded to them to put down the French, and if the ministry think that the mere recall of Lord Elgin, and disallowing the Rebellion bill is all the British party are determined to have, they are much mistaken. They will be satisfied with nothing less than the putting down bf the French faction, the abolishing of their laws and the treating them as conquered people. It will be a terrible blow to these poor deluded creatures, but it is determined on. They, probably, will trust in the magnanimity of England, but England will simply have to choose one of two things — either she desires to retain the Canadas and the love of her British subjects in them, or the fickle friendship of the French Canadians, who have twice, dog like, bitten the hand that protected them. I will conclude this letter with a short quotation from the celebrated report of Lord Durham, and which may be set forth as a true exposition of the evils which afflict this province, and will account for the stern determination which the British people have come to in the matter : — "At the root of the disorders of Lower Canada lies the conflict of the two races which compose its population. Until this is settled no good government is practicable ; for whether the public institutions be reformed or left unchanged ; whether the powers of the Government be entrustei to the majority or the minority, we may rest assured that while the hostility of the races continues, whichever of them is entrusted with power will use it for partial purposes." Eleven o'clock, a.m. P. S. — Lord Elgin is expected in town within a few hours. He will be escorted by the Provincial Cavalry, which are now in town from St. John's. The government have issued proclamations forbidding mobs to assemble in the streets. The last act of folly on the part of the ministry has just been consummated. It is the appointment of Mr. Young, a red hot radical, as principal magistrate of the city. The office has been created for him, in consequence of the mayor never being able to be found when wanted. Mr. Young can order the troops to fire, and arrest any man without a warrant first. It is in fact, a modified style of martial law. ' He has a post which people consider a perilous office. I have just been shown the following letter received this morning at the Montreal Courier office :—: — " Upper Canada on the move .' " Brockville, Upper Canada, " Saturday night, half past 11. " This has been a terror here ! Last night there was a meeting of the League at Powell's Hotel : and this morning the streets were placarded by immense bills, announcing the assembling of the inhabitants in the public square, at half-past seven, to join in burning the effigy of ' Traitor Elgin.' Through the course of the day the excitement in town was very great, and vast* numbers flocked to the law office of Messrs. Jone and M'Lean, to enroll their names as volunteers of the League. I am told that 292 stout and able men were enrolled in the course of the day. The country people came flocking in by tens and dozens to enquire if it was true — it was so reported here — .hat Lord Elgin was issuing arms to the French rebels. This report is spreading rapidly, and exciting the masses most intensely. If this turns out to be true, you need not be surprised to see the steamers and all the other boats that can be procured visiting your waters, carrying cargoes of living Britons. "At about seven, the people began to assemble in front of Morris's corner ; and at the

appointed hour an immense gallows, about 40 feet in height, was placed upon a hurdle in front of the Post office, with two large tar barrels at the foot, and his lordship dressed in the Windsor uniform, wearing a cocked hat, a star on his breast, and the Rebel Rewarding Bill in his hand, was fixed by a chain to the gallows. All the authorities of the town and about twelve or fifteen magistrates of the dis- I trict were present. Three cheers were then given for the Queen, and the procession moved off to the public square, were the gallows was erected, and the fire applied to the effigy. All went off peaceably. " Twelve %'clock, a.m. " The most alarming rumours are prevalent regarding Lord Elgin's health. Three physicians were with him yesterday, and it is stated the late excitement he has gone through has acted upon his brain, so as to seriously affect his mind. *' In the House of Assembly, an address to the Governor has been passed, congratulating Mm on the quiet state of the country I—passed by 13 to 30. On the strength of this, his lordship intends writing a despatch to the home government, inclosing this address. A similar address is to be brought' up in the Upper House to-day. •' Sir Allan M'Nab, and the counter party have forwarded an express to New York to -catch the steamer. F."

Montreal, May 1,1849. Assault on the Governor— 'Address to Mm, and his reply — State of feeling in Montreal, At 2 o'clock yesterday, the hour appointed for the representative of British majesty to | make his entrie into the capital of the Canadas, the streets were thronged with thousands of excited citizens, of all classes and •creeds. As the hour wore slowly on, the expectation of the multitude rose and fell, as the various rumours swept past them. At one time a despatch had been sent, respecting the •danger of his coming inj another, that he was seriously ill ; and lastly, that he was already on the way, but through the back streets. The last vibration from the tower of the English Church had hardly announced the Ifour of three, when the clang of arms and the tramp of horses, with the deeper roll of the carriage announced the approach of the Vice Royal cortege. The crowd of people extended through Great St. James's-street, the Place D'Armes, into Notre Dame, to the government house, near Donegan's Hotel. Hardly had the escort entered Great St. James-street, at a gallop, than a prolonged howl, such as has never been heard in this metropolis before, and I think never will be again, rose from the people, mingled with curses, both loud and deep. As he passed the barracks his eye caught the flag of England floating half mast high, and I thought his lip quivered. The yells never ceased all this time, and at the entrance into the Place D'Armes, a more serious reception awaited him. Some eggs and dirt fell in profusion about his ears. At this pomt — the entrance to Notre Dame-street from the Place D'Armes — a company of the 23rd regiment were stationed, who closed in behind the troop after it had passed, and marched to the guard bouse opposite Nelson column, and then were drawn across the street. As his lordship passed the court house, a great number of persons, who were hanging on the iron railing, from their elevated position, cast stones and eggs into the carriage. Three eggs struck, and one stone, which cut his hands. His brother, Colonel Bruce was also in the equipage. The Governor-General having been safely carried into Government-house, the next job to be accomplished was the managing to bring the representatives of the people to his presence. At 4 o'clock forty radical members left the Bonsecour Market,' St. Paul-street — the present Parliament house — (which is immediately behind the old Government house), headed by the ministry. Their appearance was the signal for a terrific yell and a shower of stones, which were cast over the heads of the soldiery who protected them. A French magistrate, surrounded by soldiers, read three or four words of the Riot Act, and ordered troops to fire ; but the Colonel, Sir H. Dairy raple, of the 71st Regiment, saw no necessity for it, and laughingly commanded his men to charge. The people and soldiery, amidst united laughter, scampered and advanced for about three hundred yards, when the crowd halted and gave three cheers for the 71st regiment, and their devil of a commander, Sir H. Dalrymple. So low did the troops carry their bayonets, that half a dozen men ran the points into the blocks, and were nearly pitched on their heads. In the meantime the members proceeded op a little back lane, into Notre Dame-street, where they were again received with eggs and stones, and at last reached the steps of the Government house. To describe the appearance the " choice of the people presented at this moment is the work of no mortal pen. Ministers with shattered tiles, seconders of rebellion covered with ,

unsavoury yolks of rotten eggs, and countenances as pale as death, made up the scene. These men entered the Government House, in this distinguishing plight, to offer the following address to the representative of British sovereignty in Canada, congratulating him on the peace of the country : — Address. May it please your Excellency, — We, her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, have witnessed, with feelings of deep sorrow and indignation, the proceedings of a mob of riotous and disorderly inhabitants of this city, who, in a time of profound peace and tranquillity, have committed several wanton and disgraceful outrages, as well upon persons as property, the most prominent of which is the destruction of the building occupied by the two Houses of Parliament. At such a moment of excitement, we feel it to be due to ourselves and our constituents to assure your Excellency of the devoted loyalty and attachment of the people of Canada to [ the person and government of our beloved sovereign, and of their earnest desire to preserve the connection with the parent state. j We further beg leave to express to your Excellency our deep sense of the justice and impartiality which has uniformly characterized the constitutional government of your Excellency, while assisted by the counsels of your former as well as your present advisers, without reference to the policy of either. While we sincerely hope that the tranquillity of the city is now substantially restored, we feel it our duty to assure your Excellency of our cordial support of any measure which your Excellency may find it necessary to take for the preservation of the public peace, and we pledge ourselves to make good any expense that your Excellency may have found it necessary, or may yet find it necessary, to incur, for the acccomplisbment of that oiject. A Governor- General, boasting of his royal descent, in a similar plight as his ministers, replied as follows :— Answer Of his Excellency the Governor General to the Address of the Legislative Assembly, of Saturday, the 28th April, 1849, on the subject of the burning of the building occupied by the two Houses of the Legislature, and the outrages committed subsequent thereto. Gentlemen, — I receive with gratitude your loyal and dutiful address. I lament the outrages of which this city has been the theatre during the past few days, and more especially the destruction of the building occupied by the Houses of Parliament, with the valuable libraries, of which the province had so good a reason to be proud. My confidence in the good sense, moderation, and loyalty of the body of the people is, however, in no way shaken by what has occurred. It is satisfactory to me to receive the assurance that the course of justice and impartiality which I have followed in the discharge of the functions of my high office meets your approval. That course is prescribed to me by my duty to my Sovereigu, and to the inhabitants of the province. A free people can hardly fail to discover, in the faithfal observance of all constitutional guarantees, the best securities for the preservation of their rights and liberties. No efforts will be wanting on my part to secure the preservation of the peace of the city, and I sincerely trust that by the exertions of the Legislative and Executive authorities, and the co-operation of all the friends of order this object may be accomplished.

In the meantime the masses remained in anxious expectation to see the light of the Viceroy's countenance ; and the countenan- ■ ces of the rabble denoted mischief. At a quarter to 5 o'clock the carriage and , escort set off at a full gallop, and took the people unawares. Instead of returning as they had come, they dashed down St. Denisstreet, up to Sherbrook-street. The infuriated populace, better acquainted with the town, jumped into cabs and caleches, and dashed up the main street ; and, face to face, they met at the junction of Sherbrook and this s t ree t — as bad fortune would have it, in the immediate neighbourhood of a heap of stones, with which his Excellency and escort were vigorously and brutally pelted. It of course only lasted for a few moments, but sufficiently long to smash his carriage to pieces, cut his lordship's face, and seriously injure his otherwise popular brother, Colonel Bruce. In doing this, the mob have made a false step ; and it is likely to estrange many devoted leaders, amongst the gentry, from the cause. After the crowd retired, a large body of them came in contact with Mr. Egan, M. P. for ; Ottawa, who has supported the ministry and

betrayed his constituents. He was severely beaten. Several small street fights also occurred. After the departure of Lord Elgin, the members returned to the House ; and > after the reply had been read, they adjourned. Mr. John Young, whose appointment as Chief Magistrate I mentioned in my last letter, has since declined the appointment. j Lieut. Boucher, the Town Mayor of Kingston arrived in town yesterday, for the purpose of representing the excited state of the Upper Province to Sir Benjamin DUrban, and that if something is not done immediately there will be a revolution. Last night a telegraphic despatch was received in town from Quebec, stating that a deputation of six French Canadians had left that city in the steamer for Montreal. As soon as this report became known, it was determined to receive them with all due honour. Accordingly this morning an escort was ready to conduct them to the nearest basin, numbering several hundreds, armed with muskets, pitchforks; &c, &c. ; but the deputation landed at the Jonquil Ferry, a mile below the city. The petition to recall Lord Elgin is rapidly filling up. A meeting has been held in Kingstou, and a petition to the Queen, to recall Lord Elgin, is circulating for signature. The city is at present qui<jt. Nothing doing in business. Au revoir.

THE LATEST BY TELEGRAPH. Montreal, May 2—62 — 6 p.m. Everything has been quiet here for the last two days. In Parliament there has been nothing done. The Legislative Council are holding a session in the vestry of Trinity Church, preparing an address to the Governor General, Lord Elgin. There is nothing important from Upper Canada, although the excitement still continues. There are, however, no farther outbreaks. Despatches from Kingston, Toronto, and other places, report everything quiet.

Montreal, May 3 — m. Since the issuing of the address of the British party, calling upon the people to preserve the peace, no more riots have occurred. The organization of the various wards for ulterior purposes, if the news from England should render them necessary, is rapidly going on. The military guard still continues in the place where the Parliament meets, and in the Government offices. Several l^rench addresses, expressive of confidence in the ministry, had been presented to Lord Elgin. It was reported this morning that the Governor would come in from his country seat, but he did not. Groups of people were scattered about all the morning, in expectation of his coming ; but it is not believed that any further violence will be shown him. The ministry have sustained a quasi defeat in the Legislative Council. For three days the ministerial partisans have been trying to get up an address to the Governor, similar in tone to that of the Assembly, but it would not do ; to-day, by a majority of only one vote, the debate on the matter was postponed for a fortnight, in order to get a full house. The Assembly are engaged in passing old orders without any discussion. The new tariff makes wheat free of duty. It is said that the Upper Canada radicals have refused to allow the sittings of the House to be transferred to Quebec. A telegraphic despatch from Toronto states that it was determined at the late mass meeting held there, to send home Sir Allan M'Nab, with a petition to the Queen. The Montreal telegraphic line is now erected across the St. Lawrence.

From Montreal we have telegraphic intelligence down to Tuesday evening, May Bth, but is of no particular importance. An address to the Governor-General on the subject of the recent outbreak in Montreal was carried in the Legislative Council, on Monday, by a vote of 11 to 6, after a long and warm discuision. The country continues in a ferment, but there was no further disturbances. The reformers are getting up a counter address and meetings.— New York Herald, May 10.