THE world is living so fast, remarkable events follow each other with such rapidity, whilst the facilities of communication permit of the concentration of intelligence from all parts on each succeeding day, that there is danger lest, amongst the glitter of startling occurrences, the steady growth of history in a portion even of our own empire may be overlooked or but slightly regarded. Yet there is little doubt but that great changes have taken and are taking place in the most important of our colonial possessions. The colonies included in our North American empire, and since 1867 united together under the name of the Dominion of Canada, whence the writer has recently returned after a lengthened residence, are laying deep the foundations of a history whose later development may depend in no slight degree on the present action and opinions of those who are labouring in the work, and of those who are looking on from the mother country.

The wonderful progress, the ceaseless activity, and the almost obtrusive self-assertion of her great neighbour, have attracted men's attention from the slower but perhaps steadier growth of Canada; and it is a matter of remark, not perhaps unaccompanied with a slight ingredient of bitterness, that ten lines in the most important of the English newspapers are devoted to Canadian affairs, while several columns are allotted to those of the United States. The growth of the oak may be less interesting to watch than that of the pine, but its durability is more permanent; and not to attempt to prophesy, it may be remarked that the teaching of history has shown on more than one occasion that

power and strength have come from the north, and that the stern features of nature, whilst impeding the advance to maturity, have strengthened the constitution of nations that have been born amidst the rigours of a severe climate.

The picture presented by the Dominion of Canada is, however, even now striking enough to excite the imagination, as well as to rouse the interest of thinking men. A population, consisting for the most part of English, French, and Scotch, and amounting in numbers to little if any more than that comprised within the area of London, occupies with greater or less density-leaving at present vast and fertile regions in their pristine solitude-a country stretching over 70 degrees of longitude, and extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. This vast territory is united under one government, is ruled (stating the case broadly) by similar laws, and guided by precedents founded on English history. A nation is, in fact, progressing gradually to maturity imbued with English sentiments, attached to English forms of government, and desirous of passing from childhood to youth, and from youth to manhood, by gradually modifying the connection, but without severing the links that bind it to the mother country. The formation of this nation dates from the year 1867, when, by a peaceful but important revolution, the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, yielding their separate identities, united themselves with Upper and Lower Canada, and formed the present Dominion, into which British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island soon after gravitated, the last not until the end of the

year 1873. This junction of two provinces was a bold project, wisely and judiciously carried out. Upper and Lower Canada had for many years been united under one government; but the diversity in nationality and religion, which divided Ontario from Quebec, engendered such a complete difference in regard to all great questions, that constitutional government had almost arrived at a dead lock; fresh blood was necessary; and disregarding the vast distances that separated the several provinces, and the still greater difficulties of intercommunication, the premier of the day, the present Sir John Macdonald, carried the Act constituting what is now called the Dominion. Much patience and many sacrifices were required; the jealousies of the provinces had to be appeased, their strong local patriotism modified, and the love of the old country, which led some of them to cling to direct union with England rather than to seek to create a fresh nationality, diverted into a new channel. Much credit is due to those who guided the helm in such troublous waters, and to those who, sacrificing local interests and narrower aims, decided to form of the North American colonies a Dominion worthy to be England's proudest offspring. What, therefore, is the picture which Canada now presents? A country governed in all essential respects on the model of England; the Governor-General representing the Queen-and their two Houses of Parliament, the Senate and the House of Commons, possessing powers corresponding to those of their prototypes in Great Britain. Provincial matters are left to the provincial governments, in each of which a Lieut.-Governor and two Houses of legislature, 66 cept in Ontario and Manitoba, where one is considered sufficient, exer

ex

cise functions in regard to local affairs similar to those which the Parliament at Ottawa possesses in respect to the larger interests of the Dominion.

The capital of the Dominion, the result of a compromise, selected on grounds somewhat similar to those that led to the choice of Washington, stands on the Ottawa, whose name it bears, and whose waters flow beneath the cliffs on which the city is built, in breadth and volume exceeding those of the largest rivers of Europe. Few more beautiful sites could have been selected. The Grand River, as the Ottawa is locally termed, after forming a wide lake ten miles above the city, pours in a succession of rapids through countless islands, until leaping over the Chaudiere Falls it sweeps through a narrow gorge, and then widens out to receive into its bosom the rapid stream of the Gatineau. The Parliament buildings, comprising also the Government offices, and consisting of a group of three Gothic edifices, crown the highest cliff, their towers and spires overlooking the city, the great river, its tributaries the Rideau and the Gatineau, and beyond them the Laurentian range and the forests stretching northwards to Hudson Bay. The city lies extended at their feet, pushing its suburbs across the Ottawa and the Rideau, to where a bank of woods half conceals the GovernorGeneral's residence, a temporary building, which will probably be replaced by one more suitable in closer vicinity to the Houses of Parliament. Ottawa is at present in a state of transition from the pleasant county town of Byetown to the capital of the Dominion, and being in this condition, does not possess all the conveniences of a finished town; but if, as the day is closing in, the first sight of its beautiful buildings standing out against the

evening sky, is caught by the traveller as he emerges from the surrounding forests, he will be irresistibly reminded of Tennyson's description of the towers of Camelot.

This union of the aspects of a new country with the Gothic buildings of medieval Europe, affords a fitting type of the society and form of government in Canada. There the vigour of the New World is steadied and tempered by the traditions of the Old, and men advance without cutting themselves off from the experiences of their forefathers. A good instance of this attachment to the customs of the old country may be seen on the day in which Parliament opens. The GovernorGeneral in his sleigh drawn by four horses, escorted by volunteer hussars, drives up under a salute of artillery to the Houses of Parliament. There a guard of honour, in uniform resembling that of the Foot Guards, receives him, and, preceded by the usher of the black rod, and attended by his staff, he walks in procession to his throne in the Senate-chamber. The Gothic hall, in addition to the grave senators, is thronged with ladies in full dress, and soon the Commons, summoned by Black Rod, and headed by the Speaker with the mace borne before him, make their appearance at the bar. The speech is then read, first in English, then in French; after which, in the same order as he entered, the GovernorGeneral leaves the House, and the business of the session commences. The types and forms of the English Parliament are carefully preserved, and precedents are quoted reaching far back in England's history. The intermixture of the French tongue is a striking feature in the proceedings of the Houses; and the manner in which the French members, whilst occasionally speaking in their own language, adhere closely to the English parliamentary practice, is

an indication of the feelings of the population, which, whilst clinging to their individuality, and proud of their descent from old France, have yet frankly, freely, and loyally accepted English laws and English government.

The

The session usually extends to about two months, during which time the members receive pay. The time is fully occupied, especially of the Lower House, which holds a somewhat preponderating power in regard to the Upper Chamber. The debates are often of great length, displaying considerable eloquence on the part of the speakers, and remarkable patience on that of the hearers; whilst the work in committee is energetically performed. Indeed Ottawa presents few opportunities of distraction to those who come there for business; and the members, who are seldom accompanied by their families, are content to work hard whilst engaged in their parliamentary duties. great party, termed Conservatives, who followed Sir John Macdonald, and held office for nearly sixteen years, fell on the question of the Pacific Railway; and the Liberals, or Grits, under the leadership of the Hon. A. Mackenzie, succeeded them in power. The policy of the Government has, however, but slightly changed: questions which formerly divided the nation into opposite camps have been set at rest; and the material interests of a new country, especially as regards works of construction for developing its resources, naturally engage attention rather than more abstract political questions. In fact, local matters are to a great majority of the members the objects of their greatest solicitude; and it not unfrequently happens that a man may be a Liberal at Ottawa but a Conservative in his own province, or vice versa— party names having but slight mean

ing, and the constituencies caring little if their representative can obtain for them the advantages which the Dominion Government have frequently the power to dispense. The recent alterations in regard to the elections of members for the English Parliament have been followed in Canada, where the courts for the trial of election petitions have performed their work severely and impartially a fact which many unseated members can vouch for. The qualifications for voters differ in the different provinces, but the basis is sufficiently wide to insure the representation of the greater majority of the people, and, as a rule, to secure to the House of Commons the talent and respectability of the country.

The Upper House being the creation of the Crown-which, in fact, means the appointment to the Senate of those who may be recommended by the minister of the daysomewhat fails in power and weight. Without a doubt it contains many of the leading men of Canada; but it is a place of rest, and the very fact that after a change of Government the Senate may be in antagonism with the House of Commons renders its members extremely cautious, and somewhat diminishes the salutary check which it should furnish on the energy of the Lower House. To obtain an entry into the Senate is an object of ambition; but instances not unfrequently occur of active politicians resigning its honours to re-engage in the more exciting arena of the Lower House. In fact, the constitution of an Upper Chamber presents difficulties in Canada similar to those met with in other countries, where it has not grown with the growth of the nation; and possibly some modification in its present organisation may in course of time be deemed desirable.

The civil service of the Dominion stands deservedly high in the ap

preciation of the people. As in England, the permanent officials are not directly, and but little indirectly, affected by a change in government, the example of the United States in this particular affording a warning which even the excitement of political strife seldom tempts a minister to disregard. Each separate department is represented in the Cabinet, which consists of thirteen members, eleven of whom are in the House of Commons. The actual business of the country, from the smallest appointment in the civil service, up to the most important national work, is conducted by the Privy Council, the whole of whose proceedings are brought before the Governor-General for approval, thus enabling him to watch the course of government through the whole length and breadth of the Dominion, and to exercise a salutary check on any hasty or inconsiderate act. In almost all the departments will be found the energy which might be expected from a young and growing country. The administration of justice is deservedly respected; the laws are administered justly, firmly, and severely, and crime is light. The marine department has provided for the commercial needs of the maritime population; and the manner in which the exclusive sea and lake coasts are lighted, and the rivers and harbours buoyed, furnishes proofs of untiring energy and care. postal communication, often ducted under great difficulties, owing to the rigour of the climate, and to the want of communication, and in which the primitive dog-sleigh of the Indian supplements in the remote districts the rail and the steamer, merits high praise; whilst the departments which have charge of the finance, the excise and the customs, and the arrangements for emigration, are not wanting in zeal and effici

The

con

ency. The militia department labours under the difficulty which is felt by those who strive to prepare means of defence in a community which believes but little in the possibility of war, and which grudges money that does not directly bring in a corresponding return. The organisation of the force on paper is good, but for even a meagre efficiency much requires to be done. The talent, the military feeling, and the patriotism exist; but the sinews of war, and the belief which results in deeds, are in some measure wanting. Recently steps in the right direction have been taken. An able officer, General Selby Smyth, has been appointed to the command of the militia, and a military college for the education of officers is about to be established at Kingston; still the organisation for national defence is scarcely on a par with the steady increase of the country. The management of emigration matters has recently been more concentrated in the hands of the central government, and promises increased development. The difficulty connected with Government aid lies in the facility with which emigrants can pass over the border to the States, using Canada merely as a stepping-stone; but the present depression in the labour market in many of the cities and States of the Union, together with the advantageous offers which Western Canada presents, will draw the tide of emigration to the more fertile districts of the Dominion.

Here, perhaps, a few words in reference to the prospects of the emigrant may not be out of place, as many erroneous opinions are held in England on the subject. First, as to the class of emigrants most needed. Farm - labourers are in much request, but they must not come to Canada with the idea that work is to be less, or life at first any easier than at home. They

should be prepared, on arrival, to hire themselves out to farms, often to put up with hardships which may appear strange to them, and to be content if they can provide dwellings for themselves and family, with enough to eat and to wear, rough as all these necessaries may probably be. If a man work and save, which he can easily do, for the first year or two, and if he adapt himself to the country, he may take a bushfarm. His savings will enable him to live until his crops grow; and then, if he has chosen his land well, and if he is sober and healthy, the way to competence, and possibly to wealth and position, lies open before him-and the more numerous his family, the better he will prosper. Many a man who now stands in the foremost rank in Canada, has laboured, and laboured hard, 'at manual work. Gentlemen farmers are, as a rule, not the best class of emigrants; small farmers, with a capital, which they should put aside for investment after they have acquired a knowledge of the country,

are

more likely to succeed; and they will find a better return for their money in the settled districts of Canada than they can expect in England. These men should follow the pioneers of civilisation, as those who have cleared the forests move westwards, impelled by motives and habits which prevent them from welcoming the approach of a denser population: the farmer could then buy their roughly-cultivated farms; convert their log shanties into timber houses, their snake fences into palings, and their fields, disfigured with still-standing stumps, into smooth, well-tilled arable and meadow land. Mechanics are doubtless required; but the man to succeed should not only be good at his especial art, but should have a wider knowledge. As a natural result in a country where civilisa