[bourinot] builders OF NOVA SCOTIA 1S5 



nation of Britons should be placed In like circumstances, better regulated dis- 

 positions an>d the warning lessons of Khis terrible civil war stamped on the 

 page of history may lead to the happiest result of peaceful adjustment, and 

 the formation of new states. 



The delegates have, I think, improved on the American model in the dis- 

 tribution of legislative powers, between the general and local governments. 



It being my purpose to do little more than make such explanations as 

 the republication of my speedh requires to prevent my being misunderstood, 

 the details of the plan are not -within the purpose of this letter. I may, how- 

 ever, say that, as far as I can judge, the scheme propounded manifests an 

 earnest desire, with no small measure of success, to secure solidity and endur- 

 ance to the constitution and harmony in its action and to do impartial justice 

 among the constituent members, and I sensibly feel that the delegates have 

 well earned the praise for moderation, forethought and ability in a case of 

 great complication, delicacy and difficulty which has been freely accorded to 

 them by the Britisih Government, and in leading jo'urnals in England. I-t 

 would not be surprising that some of the details should be liable to criticism 

 or to improvement. It would be surprising were it obherwise — ^the most perfect 

 plan would not commend itseilf alike to all minds, and no plan can be perfect 

 when diversified interests, prejudices, feelings and judgments require to be 

 accommodated and harmonized. 



In a case of such momentous and enduring importance, it is well for eacli 

 one, before touching the details, to settle firmly in his mind the great ques- 

 tion — Isolation or Confederation. If Confederation be thought beneficial, then 

 the details will be considered in relation to the imiportajice of the object to be 

 attained, and the difficulties adjusting conflicting view^s. Matters temporary, 

 or comparatively inferior, or that may be subsequently adjusted, or that must 

 be sacrificed for the sake of attaining the object, wiill not be allowed to dis- 

 turb the judgment ; and finally, it is a great security that the whole will 

 undergo the scrutiny and revision of sagacious and far-seeing statesmen in 

 England having no interest but the public good, aided by the local knowledge 

 of able colonial public men. This is no small affair, the influences of Which 

 will die away with the exciteraient of its discussion — no thing of petty politics, 

 reaching no farther than personal interests— no matter of party strife. Our 

 country and its destinies, our descendants and their future, are the subjects 

 — and the consideration should be approached with an earnestness, and the 

 decision made under a sense of responsibility not to be exceeded in the most 

 solemn religious duty. I am, dear sir, very truly yours, 



J. W. JOHNSTON. 

 To P. S. Hamilton, Esiq., Chief Commissioner of Mines, &c. 



Address on the Union of the Colonies, delivered in the House of Assembly, 

 February 10th, 1S54 . 



Hon. J. W. Johnston said : Mr. Chairman, before availing myself of the 

 privilege with which the House has indulged me of expressing my views on 

 the Union of the British North American Coloniies, permit me to read the 

 Resolutions I propose to move. 



I do this, Sir, that at the outset it may be seen to be my desire that the 

 Imperial and Colonial Governments should be drawn to consider the great 

 question, and to mould it after full deliberation into some form fit to be 

 presented for the consideration of the several Legislatures ; and that I pre- 

 suime not at this stage of the enquiry to offer any specific scheme of my own. 



