ary to the avowed principles and objects of reformers in the true
heroic age of Canadian reform. "Equal rights and privileges among all
classes, without regard to sect or party," was the motto of the
reformers of those days, and was repeated and placed upon their banners
in almost every variety of style and form. And what was understood and
meant by that expressive motto, in the whole administration of
government, will be seen from the following facts:--The reformers and
reform press of Upper Canada, hailed and rejoiced in the principles of
the government of Lord Durham, Lord Sydenham and Sir Charles Bagot. The
Earl of Durham, in his reply to the address of the citizens of Toronto,
July, 1838, said:

On my part, I promise you an impartial administration of
government. Determined not to recognize the existence of parties,
provincial or imperial, classes or races, I shall hope to receive
from all Her Majesty's subjects those public services, the
efficiency of which must ever mainly depend upon their
comprehensiveness. Extend the veil of oblivion over the past,
direct to the future your best energies, and the consequences
cannot be doubted.

The favourite phrase and avowed doctrine of Lord Sydenham was "equal and
impartial justice to all classes of Her Majesty's subjects." After the
union of the Canadas, Lord Sydenham appointed Mr. Draper
Attorney-General, and the late Mr. R. Baldwin, Solicitor-General--the
first "coalition" in Upper Canada. He also intimated at the time that he
attached equal importance to the return of Mr. Draper and Mr. Baldwin;
and that opposition to the one as well as to the other, under whatever
pretence it may be got up, is equally opposition to the
Governor-General's administration. Parties and party spirit have nearly
ruined the country; the object of the Governor-General is to abolish
parties and party feelings by uniting what is good in both parties....

Lord Sydenham's two years administration of the Canadian government
proved the greatest boon to Upper Canada, and the principles and policy
of it were highly approved by Reformers and the Reform press
generally....

Judge Story, in his Commentaries on the Constitution of the United
States, says:--

The best talents and the best virtues are driven from office by
intrigue and corruption, or by the violence of the press or of
party.

In harmony with the statement of the great Judge Stor