s fools and sycophants. But the
letter did not contain a syllable which was not literally true, and was
mildness itself when compared with letters and articles which are
constantly published with impunity in newspapers of all shades of
political opinion in these present times. It appears that, upon the
humble and unequivocal submission of the culprit, some of the most
severe penalties imposed by the court were remitted, and that he was
erelong allowed to resume his business;[22] but all enthusiasm for the
public good had meanwhile been crushed out of him, and he became one
more added to the list of subservient tools which the Executive always
managed to have at their control. Such were the glories of a free press
in enlightened Upper Canada sixty-six years ago. Such were the "good old
times" which our grandfathers are never weary of belauding to the echo.
How bright are the hues of retrospection! But for us of the present
generation, let us be thankful to the Giver of all Good that such brave
old times are long past, and that they can never return. Let them go;
but surely it is too much to expect us to pronounce a benison upon their
dead and departed dry bones.

Even before the commencement of proceedings against Mr. Gourlay under
the Alien Act, his conduct had furnished a pretext to those in authority
for striking a heavy blow against freedom of speech and action. The
holding of conventions, whereat meddlesome persons of the Gourlay stamp
might air their grievances and agitate for investigations into public
abuses, was a thing not to be tolerated in Upper Canada. Upon the
assembling of the Legislature at York, in October, 1818, the
Lieutenant-Governor, in his opening Speech, hinted at a law to prevent
the holding of such meetings; and in the course of the ensuing session a
Bill to effect that object was introduced into the Assembly by Mr. Jonas
Jones, member for Grenville. The Bill was supported by twelve out of the
thirteen members present, and was speedily passed into law; but, as will
hereafter be seen, it was not destined to a long life.

* * * * *

After a brief delay in the State of New York, Mr. Gourlay repaired to
Boston, and thence took ship for Liverpool. On a subsequent page we
shall catch one more brief glimpse of him, but with that exception the
present work has no further concern with his chequered existence. He
will be referred to from time to time, but only incidentally,