[cruikshank] from ISLE AUX NOIX TO CHATEAUGUAY 141 



are such strong inducements that no threats of the enemy will intimidate 

 them, nor they will be deluded by any insidious efforts they may make. 



"Proud of the confidence Your Excellency is pleased to place in 

 the exertions of His Majesty's Canadian subjects and in the courage 

 and loyalty of the militia, we confidently promise to om-selves a happy 

 and fortunate result to any hostile attempt that may be made on this 

 colony, whilst that courage and loyalty have the aid and support of 

 the tried valour, skill and discipline of His Majesty's regular forces." 



No time was lost in presenting to the House two private and 

 confidential messages; one of which requested their consideration to 

 the urgent necessity of vesting the Governor General with extraordinary 

 powers to suppress any attempt to excite disorder or insubordination 

 and for the summary punishment of all offences tending to disturb 

 the public peace. He frankly stated that he hoped the legislature 

 would have less hesitation in sanctioning this proposal from the know- 

 ledge that he could at any time by virtue of his commission exercise 

 the power of declaring martial law in its fullest extent, and that it must 

 be evident to the members that by his action in requesting them to 

 authorise the exercise of this power in a limited degree, he could have 

 no other object than to ensure the welfare of the province with the 

 least detriment to the interests of the inhabitants. His second message 

 stated the want of specie to meet the demands of the military situation 

 and the absolute of procuring money to the amount required by govern- 

 ment bills of exchange. It was accompanied by a report from the 

 Executive Council recommending an issue of paper money, to be 

 designated Army Bills, to the amount of £250,000, 



The Assembly showed their aversion to the Governor General's 

 proposal to legalize a modified declaration of martial law by quietly 

 ignoring his message on that subject but endeavoured to make amends 

 by unexpected readiness and liberality in the enactment of a law to 

 facilitate the circulation of the Army Bills. The interest for five years 

 upon Army Bills to the amount proposed was made a charge upon 

 the Provincial Treasury together with an additional annual sum of 

 £2,500 to pay the expenses of an office. Bills of the face value of 

 twenty-five, fifty, one hundred and four hundred dollars each weie 

 made payable in Government bills of exchange on demand at a rate of 

 exchange to be fixed every fifteen days or in cash at the expiration of 

 five years with interest at six per cent, until paid. They were declared 

 a legal tender to stay arrest and execution upon the person and propeity 

 of a debtor and made receivable in payment of all public dues. All 

 cont -acts in which any distinction should be made between Army Bills 

 and cash were declared void. It was made a felony without benefit of 

 clergy to forge them. Interest at six per cent, per annum was payable 



Sec. II, 1913—9 



