sustained on account of his illness; but whose example, in such
circumstances, can not be laid down as a general rule.

Responsible government was a mere theory with the late Council, or
until they came into office under Sir Charles Bagot. They had
thought and reasoned about it, but they had never acted upon it,
until then; what they learned under the government of a sick and
dying man was not adapted to make them perfect practitioners. So
they were about as wise and as raw in the business practically, as
was Sir Charles Metcalfe, who had doubtless thought, and read, and
reasoned upon the subject also. The unskilfulness of inexperience,
with good intentions, seems to me to have been evinced in the whole
proceeding.

Of course it was considered, on the impulse of the moment, good
policy to take a stand upon the principle of responsible
government, and not upon the propriety, or policy, of certain
appointments. By taking the latter ground, all might be lost; by
taking the former ground, all would be gained, and a great deal of
glory too, in the course of a few days, or a few weeks at most. But
it has turned out otherwise. The question of prerogative has been
brought up--a constitutional and imperial question. As such the
British Government have decided upon it.... It is now no longer a
question between the late Councillors and Sir Charles Metcalfe, but
between them and Her Majesty's Government. I see, therefore,
nothing in prospect but a renewal of the scenes of 1837, and 1838,
only on a larger scale. Whether the point contended for is worth
that price, or will be even obtained at that price, is
problematical. I see no alternative, unless some enlightening,
healing agency interpose. I pray for the safety of our Zion and
people, especially, while I implore Divine interposition in behalf
of our beloved country.

I am no party man--I have never judged--I cannot judge questions
according to party, but according to constitutional principles and
history. On the first blush I was favourably impressed with the
position and resignation of the late council; but when I came to
examine their position, as I had done Hon. Mr. Draper's speech on
the University question by the light of history (it being a new
question), I came to the conclusions that I have s