k it justifiable to take away the franchise of a
whole people, in order to punish a few known and dangerous individuals,
or to guard against the misconduct of twenty-three men, by enveloping
them in a general forfeiture of personal liberty." In conclusion Lord
Durham intimated his intention of remaining a few weeks longer, only in
order to complete certain measures then in progress. Upon the receipt
of Lord Durham's first announcement of his intention to throw up his
office, Lord Glenelg endeavoured to soothe his mind, by acknowledging
that he had much reason to complain; and entreated him, upon public
grounds, to reconsider his decision. His lordship, however, remained
firm: he retained office only until arrangements had been made for
some one to assume the reins of government. Before he left Canada he
proclaimed the act of indemnity, and notified her majesty's disallowance
of the ordinance. He accompanied the promulgation of these acts with a
manifesto, in which he forgot alike what was due to the country and to
himself. The tendency of this manifesto will be seen by Lord Glenelg's
remarks upon it. He observed:--"The proclamation of the 9th of October,
her majesty's confidential advisers regard not merely as a deviation
from the course which has hitherto been invariably pursued by the
governors of British possessions abroad, but as a dangerous departure
from the practice and principles of the constitution. They consider as
open to a most serious objection an appeal by such an officer to the
public at large, from measures adopted by the sovereign, with the advice
and consent of parliament. The terms in which that appeal has been made,
in this instance, appear to her majesty's ministers calculated to impair
the reverence due to the royal authority, to derogate from the character
of the imperial legislature, to excite amongst the disaffected hopes
of impunity, and to enhance the difficulties with which your lordship's
successor will have to contend. The ministers of the crown having humbly
submitted this opinion to the queen, it is my duty to inform you that
I have received her majesty's commands to signify to your lordship her
majesty's disapprobation of your proclamation of the 9th of October.
Under these circumstances, her majesty's government are prepared to
admit that your continuance in the government of British North America
could be attended with no beneficial result." Lord Durham's manifesto
was deservedly condemn