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is with us in the strongest manner, and there is no difficulty with the Colonial Minister; but Lord Stanley's policy is evidently one of abject dread of the United States and to give them anything British American that they ask. I have presented in the strongest terms the fact that the licensing was only assented to by the colonies for a single year, and that the plan proposed is practically to abandon the fisheries altogether, and keep up the existing restrictions on trade and promote continued difficulty with the United States; that the policy we propose would lead to an early renewal of reciprocity, and settle the whole question permanently. I have also urged that Lord Stanley's course will arm the malcontents in Nova Scotia with the argument that in annexation alone can that province look for protection to her most important interests.

After a very pleasant visit at Stowe and the most friendly intercourse with Mr. and Mrs. Howe for three days, he and I had a long and confidential conversation the night before he left. He expressed again his fears that if he took the course I suggested he would be abandoned by the people and defeated, but I have pledged him, in case he takes the patriotic course, my most loyal support, and I think satisfied his scruples on that point. He suggested that it would materially aid him in reconciling the Nova Scotia party if the Government here would throw upon your Administration the duty of dealing with the question, and I undertook to aid in that matter. If there is any faith in men I think I may consider the matter, if judiciously managed

by you, settled. I have assured him of a seat in the Cabinet, and at the Intercolonial Railway Board for Nova Scotia members, and the fullest and most favourable consideration, financially and otherwise, for the province from your Government.

The matter was more serious than we supposed. The duke told me that five of his colleagues, until they heard my explanations, were satisfied that N.S. had strong grounds of complaint, and the effect of keeping up the impression here and in the U.S., that the union is not to be permanent, has a most injurious effect. After talking the matter over with the duke after Howe had left, he requested me to give him my suggestions as to a despatch in answer to Howe and Co., and I sat down and hurriedly wrote the paper of which you have here a copy. The duke said

it entirely agreed with his own views. I hope the course I have taken will be approved. The duke says that your Government ought to have someone here authorised to confer with him during his negotiations with the Hudson's Bay Co., and fully acquainted with the opinions of the Canadian Cabinet. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, yours faithfully, C. TUPPER.

HON. SIR J. A. MACDONALD.

P.S.-Do not fail to have the trade returns of N.S. for the qr. ending Oct. 1st prepared and published to complete the year 1867. They will be of great service in many ways.-C. T.

The duke says I must not leave here until the discussion is over in Parliament.

G

Memorandum given to the Colonial Minister at Stowe, April 15th, 1868, as suggestions of basis of despatch to Canada:

"Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to receive the address of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, which has been laid at the foot of the throne, praying for a repeal of the British North America Act as far as it affects that province.

"Her Majesty's Government have learned with deep regret the dissatisfaction felt by the loyal people of Nova Scotia respecting a measure passed by the Imperial Parliament upon the application of large majorities of both branches of the Legislatures of all the provinces, included within its operation, and which it was confidently believed would materially strengthen and largely promote the best interests of all those important dependencies of the Crown.

"After the most careful consideration of the address of the Assembly and the fullest personal communication with the delegates appointed by the local Government, and having taken the opinion of the law officers of the Crown upon the question, it is obvious that the Union Act was passed in a perfectly legal and constitutional manner, and that under existing circumstances it is impossible for Her Majesty's Government to advise any interference here with its operation.

"It is quite apparent, however, that the great benefits which have been, and still are, expected to flow from the consolidation of those provinces under one Government, can only be attained by

the hearty co-operation of the different provinces of which Canada is composed, and Her Majesty's Government desire you to impress upon your Administration the duty of carefully considering every cause of dissatisfaction on the part of the people of Nova Scotia, and they confidently trust that the Parliament of Canada will be enabled to meet the claims of Nova Scotia in such a spirit of conciliation as will remove all possible grounds of complaint.

"Her Majesty's Government still entertain the conviction that the union of the British North American provinces will materially aid in their defence, enhance their credit, and promote their commercial prosperity, and they sanguinely hope that the loyal and patriotic spirit of the people in every section of the Dominion of Canada will induce them to combine in harmoniously seeking the advancement of their common country."

Westminster Palace Hotel,

April 25th, 1868.

MY DEAR SIR JOHN,-On the 9th of April I wrote a letter, a copy of which is enclosed, to the Colonial Minister on the Fishery question, and subsequently had a lengthened interview with Mr. Elliot on the subject, whom I convinced thoroughly of the propriety of adopting our policy, and also had a long discussion of the question with the duke at Stowe, with a like result. Mr. Elliot, however, on Saturday night last, sent for me to communicate from the duke that Lord Stanley would not consent to any alteration in

the system of licences, or that the charge should be increased beyond one dollar per ton.

I then wrote the letter of the 20th, to which I received the following reply:

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"MY DEAR SIR,-I had already communicated with Lord Stanley before receiving yours, and have arranged that you will, with me, see him at 12.30 to-morrow, so if you will call her at 12.15 we can go to the F.O. together.-Yours very truly,

(Sgd.) "BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS."

We went to the Foreign Office and had a discussion of the question with Lord Stanley. The duke gave me every assistance (having previously advised me of the best line to take) and sustained my views very warmly. I urged that the policy proposed by Lord Stanley would not only be a breach of faith on the part of the Imperial Government, but virtually proclaim to the United States that the protection of the fisheries was abandoned by Great Britain, destroy the prospect of obtaining a treaty, and lead the people of Nova Scotia. to believe that annexation to the United States was the only means by which they could enjoy the advantages which their fisheries afforded. I assured Lord Stanley of the determination of the Government of Canada to preserve the most friendly relations with the States, and to avoid all possible cause of collision, but called his attention to the fact that all our concessions had only led to the recent order of the Treasury respecting the repacking of fish in bond, etc. Lord Stanley

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