n extending that mark of
approbation to any of the individuals, who composed the late convention
of delegates, the proceedings of which were properly the subject of
very severe parliamentary animadversion. The royal assent had been
given to the bill for the establishment of a provincial bank, but, from
some delay, it did not arrive in time for promulgation, within the
period limited by law; the form of an enactment would, therefore, be
necessary to render it available. He was deeply impressed with the
necessity of an amendment to the road law; neglected grants of an early
day were becoming a serious evil. The exemption of any land belonging
to individuals, from the operation of the assessment law, was found to
be detrimental: a new bill so modified as to protect the land from sale
by distress until due notice could be given to the proprietors would
receive His Majesty's assent. The public accounts would be laid before
the House of Assembly with the estimates for the ensuing year. The
growth of the province in population and wealth, justified a reasonable
expectation that the measures adopted to encourage it would receive the
fullest support: and the expediency of affording the new settlers,
situated remotely from the great lakes and rivers, an easy approach to
market was apparent, and with other matters would, he hoped, be
attended to. The speech in reply was satisfactory, but there was an
under current of public opinion, not quite so satisfactory. It was
considered that Governor Maitland had exceeded his authority in
withholding in part that which the Regent had instructed him not to
withhold at all. Conventions were not illegal. The right to meet and
discuss public measures had never been called in question. The
convention was composed of men who were altogether loyal. To upset the
government of the province or to get rid of imperial authority was
never contemplated. All that the members of convention desired was the
repeal of several grievances, and they meant only to petition the
Regent for their removal. The executive influence in the legislature
was overwhelming and mischievous. The governor had not only the
disposal of every civil office, and of every civil and military
commission, but of land to a boundless extent. That influence had been
repeatedly misapplied. The lamentable effects of such a misapplication
of influence had been too frequently witnessed. Public duty was
neglected. The whole face of the country w