466 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
able chance to win the game. The general opinion here is that Bright will take the 
office of Colonial Minister. If so we are pretty safe to win. 
If our friends think this experiment worth trying then I would suggest that the 
Executive Council hold their places, meet the locals and transact the public business 
in August under any form of protest they choose to adopt. 
They had better be summoned a day or two before the 6th. The Dominion 
men should be invited to meet them, and if we could get influential Delegations 
from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island to come over we 
might not only be able to present a most imposing front to the enemy, but to lay the 
foundation of a Maritime Union and to open Negotiations in a public and legitimate 
manner with the Government at Washington for the restoration of our trade. 
If we can do all this, and if in the meantime the Colonial Office breaks down (as 
it is sure to do if we are firm) with its pledges of Canadian Conciliation we may 
come triumphantly out of the struggle. If all fails there are but six months more of 
life lost and we can either submit or fight when we are that much older. 
This is the best counsel I can give and I do not offer it without many anxious 
surveys of the field and grave reflection. If it is approved let my boys make copies 
of this letter to be shown to Stairs, Power, Jones, Gibson, Boak, Northup, McDonald"? 
and any other of our friends in town on whose discretion we are accustomed to rely 
and you might enclose copies to McLelan, Hugh McDonald, Killamt$ and any other 
of our friends whom it may be prudent to consult inthe country. If it is thought wise 
to seek the Co-operation of the other Provinces, then special messengers should be 
sent to explain the policy and report the prospects of aid, that we may be ready to 
move on the arrival of the next Boat. 
I have read this letter to Annand, Troop, & Smith and am happy to report that 
they all concur in the advice given. Let Sydenham™ keep a copy of this letter as 
I have no time to make one before the mail goes. 
Yours truly 
JOSEPH HOWE 
APPENDIX. 
THE MARITIME PROVINCES of British America now enjoy all the blessings of 
self-government, controlling their own revenues, forming, controlling and removing 
their own Cabinets; appointing their own Judges, Councillors, and Public Officers; 
regulating her own Trade, training their own Militia, and discharging all the duties 
of loyal British Subjects in due subordination and steadfast allegiance to the Crown. 
The people of these Provinces have lived in harmony with each other—have 
no disputes with neighboring States—no controversies with the Mother Country, 
have ever been prone to mutual sympathy and protection, and are ready to uphold 
the honor of the national flag, and the integrity of the Empire. 
They are willing to promote well-considered measures for the joint construction 
of railways, and the establishment of Inter colonial lines of steamers—for the inter- 
15: W. J. Stairs, Patrick Power, A. G. Jones, John Gibson, Robert Boak, Jeremiah Northup, Ed- 
ward McDonald. 
163 A, W. McLelan (1824-1890) Senator 1869-81, M.P. for Colchester County (1881-87) succes- 
sively President of the Council, Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Minister of Finance, and Postmaster 
General, in the Dominion Cabinet, 1881-88; Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia 1888-1890. 
Thomas Killam, member of Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia; M.P. for Yarmouth 1867-69. 
Died 1868. 
15 His son, Sydenham Howe. 
