CHAPTER XL 

 MODE OF GOVERNMENT. 



REVENUE, TKADE, PUBLIC EIXAXCES. 



In 1832 the boon of Representative Government was granted' 

 to Newfonndland. In 1855, in compliance -witli the strongly 

 expressed desire of the people, what is commonly known as 

 "Responsible Government" was, after a lengthened agitation, 

 conceded to the Colony. This was simply the application of the 

 principles of the Britisli Constitution to the government of the 

 island. It provided tliat " the country should be governed ac- 

 cording to the well-understood A\'islies of the people." The j^arty 

 who aie sustained by a majority in the Legislature have at their 

 disposal the apj)ointments to the principal offices in the Colony. 

 They also select the Executive Council. The House of Assembly 

 is elected by the peojjle ; the Legislative Council is nominated 

 by " the Governor in Council." 



CONSTITUTIOX. 



This form of government consists of a Governor who is aji- 

 pointed by the Crown, liis salary of (^12,000 a year being paid liy 

 the Colony ; an Executive Council chosen by the i^arty com- 

 manding a majority in the Legislature, and consisting of seven 

 members ; a Legislative Council of lifteen members nominated 

 by the Governor in Council, and holding office for life ; and a 

 House of Assembly at present consisting of 3t) members, elected 

 every four years by the votes of the jjeople. In the governing 

 body thus consisting of the Governor, reijresenting the Queen, 

 the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly, is vested 

 collectively the legislative power. They have alse exclusive 

 jurisdiction over- such matters as the public debt and property ; 

 raising money on the credit of the Colony by loan, taxation, 



