cted delay in the
formation of a new Cabinet. Hon. S. B. Harrison had also written to him
on the same subject, so far as he and the other proposed Upper Canada
members were concerned. Mr. Higginson said:--

The formation of a permanent Council has been most vexatiously, but
unavoidably, delayed, owing to the extraordinary timidity--I can
call it by no more appropriate name--of our friends in Lower
Canada--the most eligible of whom have hitherto shrunk from the
responsibility they would incur by the acceptance of office. Hon.
D. B. Viger, who is still in Montreal, and who ought from long
experience, to have a good knowledge of his countrymen, expresses
himself confident of the result, and is of opinion that the delay,
of which we complain, produces good and strengthens His
Excellency's position. It is very evident that it has a different
effect in the West; and it is to be hoped that as soon as the
Montreal election is over (of which, barring violence, Mr. Molson
is certain) immediate steps will be taken to fill up the offices
now vacant.

In reply to Mr. Higginson's note, Dr. Ryerson said:--

I do not think that much evil arises at the present time, even in Canada
West, from delay. Could the vacancies be filled up two or three months
ago, the government would have secured the support of thousands who have
since swelled the ranks of the ex-Councillors. But the loss by delay
was, I think, incurred to its full extent during the months of January,
February, and March. The proceedings of the late meeting of the Leaguers
in Toronto have doubtless added something to their strength. But some
portions of these very proceedings will meet them in a way they little
expect--not, to be sure, before a jury of twelve men, as did the nine
months' proceeding of O'Connell and his associates, but before the jury
of the whole country, and upon principles sanctioned by the Constitution
and history of England, which, I believe more confidently than when I
wrote last, will result in a triumphant acquittal and justification of
the Vice-Regal defendant.

On the 23rd May, Mr. Civil Secretary Higginson wrote to Dr. Ryerson, as
follows:--

You will be sorry to hear that Hon. Mr. Harrison has failed to make
certain private arrangements which he so much hoped for, and that
he has declined to take office. He is, therefore, unable to join
the Cabinet.

FOO