TNOTES:

[121] As an indication of outside opinion on this question, I insert the
following note, written by Rev. Anson Green, on the 31st December, 1843,
to Dr. Ryerson. Mr. Green said: I cannot see why the Executive Council
should resign at the present time, for they stated in the House that
both Mr. Stanton, Collector at Toronto, and the Speaker of the
Legislative Council were appointed by their advice. I think they should
have waited until His Excellency refused to ask or take their advice,
and not force him to make pledges. In my opinion both parties have acted
indiscreetly. I have reason to believe that a majority of the Reformers
from Upper Canada, in Parliament, would be happy to support Hon S. B.
Harrison, if he could form a ministry from the majority on the question
at issue.

[122] In regard to this proposal, Mr. Harrison wrote to Dr. Ryerson on
the 17th of January, to say that he had an interview with the
Governor-General, and that: His Excellency expressed himself favourably
disposed upon all the points touched upon, and was willing to consider
the means of carrying out the objects contemplated. It appears,
therefore, to me, that the matter may be arranged if our friend Merritt
can be persuaded to join. I have written to him in that view. Should
that be the case, I am prepared, and a communication should be made to
Hon. W. H. Draper, which I will make immediately upon hearing from you
and Mr. Merritt. As Mr. Draper will be here by the latter end of this
week, it would be better, on hearing from Mr. Merritt, that you should
be here yourself.

CHAPTER XL.

1844.

Preliminary Correspondence on the Metcalfe Crisis.

With a view to a thorough understanding of the question at issue between
Sir Charles Metcalfe and his Councillors, the following statement by Dr.
Ryerson is necessary:--

After the conversation with Hon. W. H. Merritt, in January, 1844, and
after subsequent communications with him on the subject, I most
carefully and minutely examined the documents and correspondence and
other statements of parties, and was satisfied of the correctness of Mr.
Merritt's statements and conclusion. The question then arose in my own
mind, whether, after I had so much to do in the establishment of
responsible government and was morally so largely responsible for it, I
should silently witness its misapplication, and see a man stricken down
for maintaining, as the representative of his Sovereign, what Refo