During the next Session of Parliament, measures of some importance
occupied the attention of the Legislature. A bill was passed, making
provision for the relief of the insane and for the support of
foundlings. In all thirteen bills were passed, and the revenue had
increased one thousand pounds. It was the last session of the third
Parliament. In July the election of members for the fourth Parliament
took place. They were conducted, on the whole, quietly, but were,
nevertheless, vigorously contested. Strong party feeling did not then
run high, and there were no prejudices against persons of respectable
standing in society, whatever might be their origin. Quebec had four
representatives, two of whom were of French extraction and two,
apparently of Scottish descent. Montreal was similarly represented. If
there were as representatives of Quebec a Grant and a Panet, a Young
and a De Salaberry, Montreal was represented by a Richardson and a
Mondelet, a McGill and a Chaboillez. The Parliament was convened for
the despatch of business on the 9th, and having disposed of some
contested elections proceeded energetically to work. The idea of a
Canal to overcome the difficulties of the Lachine Rapids or Sault St.
Louis suggested itself; and the consideration of the expediency of its
construction engaged the attention of the House. The construction of a
canal was not considered within the means of the province, and a sum of
only L1,000 pounds was voted for the removal of impediments in the
rapids. A Seigniorial Tenure Bill, not dissimilar in character to that
which so very recently has become law, was introduced, but fell
through. The Gaols Act, imposing a duty of two and a half per cent on
imports, for the erection of common gaols at Quebec and Montreal, was
adopted. The trade was dissatisfied, and, as has been too frequently
the case, when the merchants of this province have been dissatisfied
with the Acts of a Legislature, of whose acts, unless in so far as
their own business interests have been concerned, they have been
altogether indifferent, the trade petitioned the Imperial authorities
against the Act, representing with all the force of which they were
capable, the serious injury inflicted by it upon bohea, souchong,
hyson, spirits, wane, and molasses. The gaols were, however, built,
without direct taxation having been resorted to. Another act of very
considerable importance became law: that for the better regulation of
pilot