anch of the Legislature. No restraint could now be imposed on the
Executive by an annual vote of supplies. It was completely independent
of the people." And it declared its independence in the most emphatic
manner by inserting in one of the Lieutenant-Governor's messages a
direct intimation that the Assembly would not be asked to trouble itself
about ways and means.

Certain episodes occurred during this session which are deserving of
something more than passing reference, not only as indicative of the
manners of those times, but because they concern personages whose
achievements were fated to occupy much space in the annals of our
country. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Colborne, had not long been
installed in office before he was exhibited in effigy in the streets of
Hamilton. Certain Tories who were believed to have taken part in the
exhibition openly asserted that the Hamilton Reformers were responsible
for it. It was at the same time alleged that there was a plot on the
part of the Reformers to release Francis Collins from York jail by force
of arms. The two stories emanated from a common source, and as they were
without any foundation in truth the Reform leaders in the Assembly
deemed it proper to institute an inquiry into the matter. Upon motion of
Mr. John Rolph a Committee of Investigation was appointed, with power to
send for persons and papers. It was known that Allan Napier MacNab, who
was then an impecunious young lawyer in Hamilton, could give certain
important information about the affair, and he was summoned to appear
before the Committee during the second week in February. He obeyed the
summons, so far as presenting an appearance was concerned, but he
refused to reply to certain questions put to him, and conducted himself
with great insolence and want of discretion. Being again summoned before
the Committee, to answer for his conduct, he read a written defence
which had been prepared for him, and which rather aggravated his offence
than otherwise. Accordingly, on motion of Dr. Baldwin, seconded by
George Rolph, the future baronet was committed to York jail, under
warrant of the Speaker, during the pleasure of the House. After
remaining in custody about ten days, Mr. MacNab addressed a letter to
the House which reads very much like a repetition of his former
contempt, but which the Assembly seem to have construed very charitably,
as on the 3rd of March a motion was carried for his discharge, and he
wa