[bourinot] builders OF NOVA SCOTIA 171 



Let me not forget one significant fact. Not only has the Union of the 

 British North American Colonies been advocated "by able British statesmen, but 

 we have seen that it was a subject of mature consideration and found favour 

 with a Prince of the blood — the father of our revered sovereign. He could have 

 seen in it no tendencies to rend an Empire, the maintenance of whose undimin- 

 ished glory and power must have been so dear to him. 



Before leaving this portion of the subject I feel myself constrained to 

 express a sentiment, which I hope -will not be misapprehended or misapplied. 



If an. Union be necessary for the happiness and prosperity of these Col- 

 onies, it is no legitimate ground for withholding it, that it may possibly tend to 

 a severance of the connexion with the parent State. Justice demands alike 

 from Imperial and Colonial statesmen that on such a question, the preliminary 

 —the controlling consideration should be the essential and permanent well-being 

 of the Colonies. 



It only remains that a few words should be said on the nature of the 

 Union. This may be either by First, Confederation ; or Secondly, by Legis- 

 lative Union, including the Lower Provinces, with Confederation with Canada. 



In all the instances I have quoted, we do, not meet wiith the scheme of 

 Legislative Union until Lord Durham's report in 1838, and therefore example 

 favors confederation. 



I stated at the outset that I did not think this was the time to spend much 

 consideration on details ; but though the mode of Union is hardly the question 

 for present deliberation, I will not here withhold my strong conviction that a 

 Legislative Union would best promote the common interests and the oibjects to 

 be attained. 



But with this there must be connected a mature and perfect system of 

 Municipal Conporatioms— giving to the people in every country, not only the 

 entire control and management of their own immediate affairs but much 

 which is now the subject of Legislative and Executive functions. 



Thus in the concentrated strength and energy and progress of these Col- 

 onies — in an enlarged and more wholesome public opinion — a, wider range for 

 talent, and more extended scope for the aspirations for ambition, might be 

 found a remedy for the evils that seem inseparable from the condition jf 

 Colonists at present ; and a theatre of action for British subjects be pre- 

 pared, worthy of British energy and suited to British feelings. 



I cannot conclude, Mr. Chairman, without acknowledging how] far short 

 I feel I have fallen of the capacity of the subject— I will not ©ay of its require- 

 ments, for the measure 1 have advocated needs little aid of argument or of 

 eloquence. The principle on which it rests is so simple — ^so truthful — so prac- 

 tical — so acknowledged — that argument and eloquence seem superfluous. 



Union is strength — reason, philosophy and experience declare, illustrate 

 and confirm the truth. Religion and civilization demand its aid. 



It upholds the sovereignty which God has given to man over creation, and 

 is the basis on which rests all the agencies for fulfilling tlie Creator's designs 

 for the amelioration of our race. 



Supported on this principle, the question seems no longer open to debate, 

 so soon as the practicability of Union is affirmed. And yet the subject affords 

 ample scope for reasoning the most rigid, and eloquence the most exciting. 

 Hence at one moment the mind is embarrassed to find valid objections to 

 oppose — at another oppressed by emotions difficult to utter. 



I trust and believe my deficiencies will be lost in the more perfect and 

 able exposition the subject will receive from those around me, and that graced 

 by the aids of reasoning and eloquence it will be placed in the light it ought 

 to occupy before this Province, our sister Colonies, and the Empire. 



I offer no apology — or if any be required, my interest as a Colonist, my 

 duty as a citizen, my country's welfare, and the well-being of our posterity 

 must plead my excuse for inviting this discussion. Called in the providence 



