y. The
despatches themselves were largely made up of inflated, impertinent
phraseology, and quotations from the light literature of the period.
Lord Glenelg, however, had become accustomed to the unconventional
methods of his protege, and was by no means disposed to judge him with
severity. On the 8th of September he wrote to him to the effect that his
"foresight, energy and moral courage" had been approved of by the King.
"It is peculiarly gratifying to me," wrote his Lordship, "to be the
channel of conveying to you this high and honourable testimony of His
Majesty's favourable acceptance of your services." From all which it is
sufficiently apparent that the real state of Upper Canadian affairs was
not much more clearly understood by the Colonial Office than by Sir
Francis Head.

The new Parliament was assembled on the 8th of November. Archibald
McLean, of Stormont, was elected Speaker by a majority of fifteen, the
vote standing thirty-six to twenty-one. This vote did not by any means
indicate the full strength of the Government, which was simply
irresistible. The power of the Compact was not only completely restored,
but increased. Never had its ascendency been so great. It was absolute,
overwhelming; and any opposition to it was a bootless kicking against
the pricks. In the Speech from the Throne his Excellency congratulated
the Houses on the loyal feeling pervading the Province, and on the
stillness and serenity of the public mind. He drew attention to "the
conspicuous tranquillity of the country," and briefly referred to the
legislation contemplated by the Government, which, as thus indicated,
was of an exceedingly practical character. The Speech concluded with a
declaration of his Excellency's intention "to maintain the happy
constitution of this Province inviolate." If the Speech, as a whole,
contained a faithful reflex of the official mind, it indicated that the
Government greatly misjudged the state of opinion in the country. True,
there was little conspicuous agitation, for the Reform party had
sustained so signal a defeat that they for the time felt powerless. But
they were feverishly sensible of the crushing blow that had been dealt
them, and reeled from it in a spirit which was far removed from
"serenity." Scores of them despaired of the future, sold out their
belongings, and removed to the United States. During the months of
September and October there had been a considerable emigration of
farmers from th