Lord Brougham would tell his noble American wheat ground in Canada, accordFriend, that the point could be easily set-ing to the general rule, that manufactures tled. Her Majesty's Government had were to be considered as the produce of the only to introduce a clause in the bill be- country where they were made, without fore the House, declaring declaratory paying any regard to the country from clauses were now the fashion-declaring, which their raw material was obtained, had that all such property belonging to his invariably been treated as if it were the noble Friend or any other person was to produce of Canada. It was said that even be the property of the church. if this were so, the reduction of duty from 5s. to 4s. was one which, in the present depressed state of the agricultural interest, ought not to be agreed to. He trusted he should be able to show their Lordships, that the duty imposed by the present measure, was fully equivalent to that hitherto levied. He held in his hand, a return made by CANADA CORN-LAW.] The Earl of Dalhousie said, that he rose to move, that their Lordships should go into committee on the Canada Wheat Bill. In doing that, he should not think it necessary to enter into any long statement, but should content himself with stating as briefly as pos-order of the House of Commons, showing sible the general objects of the measure. The bill was to reduce the duties on wheat and wheat flour imported from Canada. The effect of the bill would be that Canada wheat, which lately paid a duty varying from 5s. to 1s. per quarter, would be introduced at a nominal duty of 1s., and that United States wheat, brought to Canada, and ground there, would pay a fixed duty of 4s. on importation into this country. This was the sole change effected by the bill now before their Lordships. American wheat and flour imported from America, could only be introduced under the bill, at the foreign duty, as they were now. He was not going to hold up the measure as one of paramount importance. It never had been so represented by those who originated it, and, probably, but for accidental circumstances, it never would have attracted so much attention. Their Lordships were aware, that from the first introduction of the measure, very great doubts and apprehensions had been felt respecting it in various quarters. He felt confident, that the discussion which the measure had undergone in the other House, and the investigation which had been made by the country into its real nature and effects, had done much to remove the misapprehensions which existed; but as they were not entirely removed, it would be his duty to advert shortly to a few of the objections brought against it. It was said, in the first place, that this was an entirely new measure. This was not so; for the corn introduced under this measure would be simply that introduced under the former act, by which wheat grown in the United States, and ground in Canada, was imported as Canadian produce. This had been so since the law of 1828, and was done under the direct sanction of official authority. There appeared the rates of duty levied on Canadian wheat low, and it could not be supposed worth any man's while to smuggle a small quantity of corn to save a trifling duty, while it would be impossible to smuggle a very large quantity. During the period from 1825 to 1831 there was a duty of 8s, on United States wheat and flour imported into Canada, which offered a temptation nearly three times as great to the smuggler to attempt to bring it into Canada, with the same advantages when brought to this country, as the present bill would give. Yet no one had ever heard of an attempt at smuggling wheat from the United States into Canada. He did not mean to say, that a small quantity might not be smuggled here and there; but to suppose that smuggling could be carried on to such an extent as to prejudice the interests of the grower, was ridiculous. It had been objected elsewhere that this measure had taken the agricultural interests by surprise, and during the present Session a noble Lord on the cross benches had remarked that no intimation of any intention to introduce such a measure as the present had been given by her Majesty's Government, during the last Session. He could show from the recorded proceedings of Parliament, that such an intimation was clearly, explicitly, and in a manner which no one could mistake, conveyed by the language of the Government. On the 8th February, last year, the right hon. Gentleman then VicePresident of the Board of Trade, brought in the Colonial Possessions Act, by which it was proposed to levy on the United States wheat imported into Canada, a duty of 3s. a quarter. On the following day, the right hon. Baronet at the head of the Government, introduced the Corn-law, by which it was proposed to levy on Canada wheat a duty varying from 5s. to ls. a quarter. On subsequent days, questions were asked as to whether it was the inten tion of Government to levy both the duties; and on the 25th of February, the right hon. Gentleman, the Vice-President of the Board of Trade, stated that that was not intended. The words of the right hon. Gentleman clearly expressed the intention of Government to be, that if a nominal duty were levied on Canadian wheat imported here, the duty of 3s., which stood in the resolutions, on the im country were, according to the various returns, 12s. 6d., 13s. 6d., 14s. 6d., and 16s. per quarter. He would take the price at Montreal, at the lowest rate of 40s., and the freight at the lowest amount 12s. 6d., which would make the price when introduced into this country, adding the duty, 53s. 6d. It might be said, that corn would be brought direct from the great western states of America, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. The average price of corn at Cleveland, the great port of Ohio, in the last year, for which a return could be made out, was 39s. 6d., for which the freight and charges to Montreal, would be 15s., according to the Parliamentary papers. But take the price at Cleveland at 30s., and add the freight and charges to Montreal, 15s., and thence to this country, 12s. 6d., it would be impossible that corn from Ohio, coming by way of Montreal, paying 3s. duty on the Canadian frontier, and 1s. duty on reaching England, could be brought into this country under 61s. or 62s. In Michigan, the price was 20s., and the freight and charges to Montreal would be 17s., so that Michigan corn, with the 3s. duty, could not be brought to England under 53s. 6d. From Illinois, corn could not be imported under the price of 55s. 6d. ; and from the state of New York, by way of Oswego, it could not be landed here under 56s. On the whole, their Lordships would see that not one single quarter of corn could be introduced into this country under 55s. or 56s. No one who was at all acquainted with the subject, or had made the slightest inquiry into it, could for an instant suppose that smuggling could be carried on to such an extent as to interfere with the operation of this bill, should it become law. With the exception of about seventy or eighty miles, the frontier consisted of the great lakes of Ontario and Erie. From the port of shipment in the western states to the nearest port in the British provinces the distance across would not be less than seventy or eighty miles. The corn could not be conveyed in boats, and must be brought in large vessels, chiefly schooners, which were all well known, and could be watched. The custom-houses were now very efficient establishments, and would be able to counteract the attempts of smugglers, if such should be made. The tempt-portation of wheat into Canada, should be ation to smuggling was great in proportion as the bulk of the article was small, and the duty high; but in the case of wheat the bulk was enormous, and the duty very adopted. Of all the objections which could be made, that of having introduced a measure in any other way than that which frankness, fairness, and manliness pointed out, was most unpalatable to him. He was quite sure, that this feeling was shared by his noble Friends near him, and by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen in another place. But he thought he had now satisfied their Lordships that this imputation was groundless, and that the clearest intimation of the intention of Government had been given in another place. The noble Lord, the Secretary for the Colonies, in the discussion on Mr. Smith O'Brien's motion to reduce the duty on wheat coming into Canada to 1s., said that he could not agree to it, because the American wheat would be let in at a merely nominal duty; but if a proper duty on American corn were imposed by the colonial Assembly, then the Canadians would be entitled to greater relief. This clearly indicated that under certain circumstances, if the Canadians would protect the home grower against an inundation of American corn coming as Canadian produce, then a nominal duty would be imposed on Canadian corn. The noble Lord also observed on that occasion, that he did not believe that, in that case, the agricultural interest would feel the slightest jealousy of the free importation of Canadian corn. He submitted to their Lordships, then, that there had been no concealment of the intentions and motives of the Government with respect to this measure. It was the understanding of the colonial Legislature of Canada, and that Legislature acted on that understanding. They had passed an act, imposing a duty of 3s. on American wheat, in a confident expectation, that having secured the interests of the home growers, their Lordships would relieve them (the Canadians) from the disadvantages under which they had so long laboured. He trusted their Lordships would not disappoint the expectations formed by the Colonial Legislature. In Canada a vast field presented itself for an extensive emigration, calculated to relieve this country of much of the pressure of population, that was weighing upon it, and a great navigable river and chain of lakes were opened there to receive for that province, and the mighty power which was growing up at its side, almost any amount of commerce which this country could pour into them. The circumstances of the province, at the present moment, were such as justified the carrying out of the proposed plan. But a few years ago, that colony was the scene of an alarming rebellion, on which occasion the colo nists of English descent, quelled that rebellion, though there was not a single soldier in the province. He did not mean to say, that the measure now submitted to their Lordships was of such importance as to produce a very great effect; but it would show on the part of this country a desire, at least, to foster the interest of that colony: and a general impression that such a desire existed would be certain to lead to the best effects in a country which at no very remote time was likely to become a wide market to the commerce, and a vast bulwark to the strength of England. At the same time, while the measure was calculated to give great satisfaction to the colony, it would not diminish one tittle of that protection which British agriculture now possessed, and ought to possess. Lord Brougham seconded the motion. He did not approve of the bill on the ground of its being a step in the right direction towards the abolition of the Corn-laws, but because he looked upon it as calculated to remove an anomaly in the system that now prevailed, an anomaly to which he could not shut his eyes while the system was retained. expected that a motion like the present, Earl Stanhope said, it might have been which had been introduced by the noble Earl with much ability, would not have been presented to Parliament till the probable consequences had been made the committee of inquiry. Such an inquiry subject of a careful investigation before a was indispensable, but an inquiry had taken place, and their friends were even without satisfactory information as to the price at which wheat could be raised in Canada. But surely, without having ascertained this point in the most distinct manner, Ministers ought not to come forward to propose a reduction in the duty to ls. a quarter, nor ought Parliament to accede to it. The papers on their Lordships' tables came from parties directly in terested in the question: thus were they called on to legislate completely in the dark. But even from the papers on the Table he could show that it was the duty of Parliament to reject this bill. They were told, that smuggling could not be carried on to a great extent; but he had it on the authority of a person of great experience and the most unimpeachable character, that smuggling could be carried on, and actually had been largely carried on, without the possibility of detection. A {JULY 4} this country should be highly- taxed, while Canada was hardly taxed at all, their Lordships were in duty bound to protect the industry of the highly-taxed country. British ship left a port in Canada, and met | surdity to say that Canada ought to be Corn-Law. an American ship at sea. The cargo of considered an integral part of the em578 the latter ship was transferred to the for-pire, in the same way as any British mer. In such a case, if another ship did county. If Canada were subject to not happen to be in view, how would it be the same engagements as England, he possible to obtain proof of the transaction? should not be opposed to such a view; The vessel that had sailed from Canada but as long as it was necessary for had her bill of clearance from a British the maintenance of her honour that port, and evidence to show that she had touched at no other port on her voyage. What security could they have against a system of smuggling like this? Already, in many years, the importation of colonial had been larger than that of foreign wheat as one of a series of stepping stones, -and would no doubt have been still which had been placed at small distances He looked on this bill only greater if the duty on colonial wheat had from one another, to enable the Governbeen 1s., instead of 5s. They were told, ment to advance, as conveniently as cirthey had no inundation of American wheat cumstances allowed, towards the realizato apprehend; but that, it must be borne tion of those principles of free-trade which, in mind, would depend very much upon to do them justice, they had never atthe extent to which cultivation was carried, tempted to conceal. and cultivation must depend on the en- State for the Home Department declared couragement held out by a large market. that the principles of free-trade were the The Secretary of [The noble Earl read extracts from Cana- principles of common sense, and the head dian papers, and from petitions to the of the Cabinet had declared that MinisLegislature, expressive of a belief that ters were agreed in their views. The noble Canada would be capable of furnishing Lord at the head of the Board of Control any quantity of wheat that the British had indeed said that protection could not market could receive.] The noble Secre- be abandoned at once; but he must tary for the Colonies, too, had described say, if it were to be abandoned at all, let the measure as one of inestimable advan- there be no suspense, but let it be done tage to Canada. the same time, that the measure would not them to the attempt. It had been said It was true, he said, at boldly and manfully, and he would dare diminish the protection to British agricul- this measure was brought forward in conture. The argument, however, was cer- sequence of a pledge given by this country. tainly an extraordinary one, it emulated But if there was a really efficient House the present administration, and, like that, of Commons no such pledge would be attempted to sit upon two stools at once. given by Ministers without the sanction of How could the measure be of importance Parliament. But that House was really to Canada, except by enabling that colony astounded as an assembly of much to send to England enormous supplies of greater sense might well be-by the angrain? Endeavours had been made to nouncement of a Government, calling prove that, before wheat could be im- itself Conservative, proposing that Canaported with advantage, the price in this dian corn should be introduced at a duty country must be 61s. The disadvantage of 1s., and American corn admitted under of that argument was that, if it proved the pretext that it was ground in Canada. any thing, it proved too much, for it would It was his impression that immense quanprove that no wheat could be imported at tities of corn would be imported from all. But was not Canadian wheat im- Canada and America; but if a single ported even now, when the price was under quarter were not imported he should op50s. In the preamble to the Canadian pose this bill. Agricultural produce had Act, it was distinctly stated, that this mea-been already deteriorated 25 per cent. sure would make England a market at all times certain and available for Canadian grain, yet the Legislature of Canada could not but have been aware that the price in England had often, and for a considerable time been below 50s. He could not consider it otherwise than as an ab Third VOL. LXX. Series Assuming that it was a sudden panic which occasioned this, that panic arose from the tariff; and if any vestige of confidence yet remained in Government-if any delusion anywhere existed as to their real intentions-if any hope was entertained that Government meant to stop in their insane U extent already. I also object to this measure on the ground that I do not think it wise or expedient to propose a change for the sake of change; and I submit to your Lordships that neither my noble Friend, in the most able address in which he has introduced the measure to night, nor any one who has spoken in another place, has brought forward a single argument which can convince your Lordships that this measure will in its results be any great advantage to any one. Now I object to such a change, on account of the uncertainty which it will produce. I object to career towards free-trade, it would be utterly annihilated by the present measure. They were next told to pass this measure because a confident belief was entertained in Canada that it would be granted. Confident belief, indeed! As if there was not a confident belief reposed in the representatives of this country that they would be faithful to their trust-that they would not so soon forget their promises and professions-that they would not disgrace themselves by such base and intolerable servility, as would always be remembered, and would in due season be properly requited. How were the pre-it because it is unsafe to make alterations sent Ministers placed in power, but on the year after year affecting the great interest understanding that they would bring for- of agriculture, in which millions of money ward measures the very reverse of those are invested. I object to it, because whatwhich they proposed. To his judgment ever cripples the energies of the agriculthis bill was proposed for other motives turist ultimately entails on them an actual than those announced. To his mind it loss; and ultimately I object to it, because was meant as some compensation to that I think it inexpedient to start such a quespatient beast, the agricultural interest of tion as that raised by this bill unless under Canada, for the evils inflicted by the new the pressure of an inevitable national netariff. He did not speak without autho- cessity. You are well aware, my Lords, rity, for he found by a paper issued under of the uncertainty and exceeding irritation the sanction of the President and Council | which such a measure is calculated to enof the Board of Trade, that the produce of gender throughout the country, ruining, the colony was greatly diminished in value by the very panic to which it gives rise, by foreign goods being allowed to enter hundreds of farmers. The farmers, my into competition with those in the home Lords, ask to be let alone. They ask country. So that because they inflicted the Ministry to speak out as decidedly an intolerable evil on the agricultural on the subject of protection to agricommunity of Canada, they were, in order culture, as they have done with respect to recompense them, to heap ruin on the to the repeal of the union? They say heads of the agriculturists of this country. they are entitled to know whether MinisThere was only one other motive which he ters intend to go further, or to stand could suppose prompted this measure. where they now are. I ask at the present That was, it was a step towards carrying moment whether a man can get a fair into full execution the principles of free-value for his estate, if he be disposed to trade. If it was really intended to give sell it? I ask if it is possible for landlord way to the clamours of the Anti-Corn-law and tenant to come to an equitable and League, it might be a useful clap-trap just arrangement as to their respective liargument to say, "Surely you cannot abilities? I ask, too, whether it can be object to extend the system of free-trade, for expected that they should lay out their you see how inoffensive is the Canada Bill capital in draining and other improvewhich you have already passed." He ments which must increase fertility imshould conclude by moving that the bill mensely, whilst they would employ that be read a second time that day six months. industrious and meritorious class of men, The Duke of Richmond: My Lords, the agricultural labourers, who for want of even if I were of opinion that this bill such employment, are now too many of would not materially affect the interests them obliged to seek relief at the workof the growers of the home country, I house, when they formerly were able to should still oppose it, because I frankly maintain themselves and family in that admit I should not give my assent to any comfort which I and every one of your proposal which could by possibility, in the Lordships rejoice to see. Before the deslightest degreet reduce that amount of bate closes I strongly suspect we shall protection, which in my conscience I be- hear some of my noble Friends approving lieve has been reduced to too great an of this bill because it admits the principle |