THE POWERS

OF

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTS.

BY

S. J. WATSON,
Librarian of the Parliament of Ontario.

Toronto:

CARSWELL & CO., 26 & 28 ADELAIDE STREET EAST.

1880.

TO THE

Honourable Edward Blakę, M.J., Q.C.,

MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR THE WEST RIDING OF DURHAM,

AND

CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO:

Statesman, Jufigt and Scholaf,

THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED

BY THE AUTHOR.

INDEX.

CHAPTER I.

PAGE

9-10-11

"Parliament:" Use of the word, by Lieut. -Governor Gore; by Sir P.
Maitland; by the Earl of Elgin; in the Confederation Resolutions;
in the summoning of the Ontario and Quebec Houses
Earl Carnarvon styles the "Legislature of the Dominion" the "Local
Legislature'

11

CHAPTER II.

Lieut.-Governor Simcoe's address to the first Parliament of Upper

Canada

His promise to the Speaker

Functions of the Parliament of Upper Canada

First use of the words, "Peace, Welfare and Good Government"
Mr. A. McDonnell pleads privilege against arrest
Dismissal of Mr. Baldwin, an officer of the Legislative Council, for his
action in re McDonnell.

Arrest of Mr. Nichol for breach of privilege

Speaker's warrant committing Mr. Nichol

Liberation of Mr. Nichol by Chief Justice Scott

14

Motion of the House that Chief Justice Scott, has been guilty of a violent breach of privilege.

Legislative Council disclaim right to interfere with Chief Justice Scott 18 He explains the reason why he liberated Nichol 17-20 The Assembly addresses the Prince Regent against the Chief Justice. 21

The case of Messrs. Coffin and Givens; they refuse to attend a Commit

tee; they are arrested and placed at the Bar of the House Their plea; they are committed on the Speaker's warrant Message from Sir P. Maitland respecting these arrests The case of Mr. Allan MacNab, a member of the House; his arrest forw contempt and breach of privilege Committed on the Speaker's warrant; discharged on his warrant 27-28