HC Deb 26 July 1831 vol 5 cc383-4
Mr. Hume

also objected to the sum of 6,625l. for the Civil Establishment of Nova Scotia, and considered it very hard that the people should have to pay money for such purposes. We forced money on persons who did not want it, for the sole purpose of having them under our control and authority. He could prove this statement, that the inhabitants of Nova Scotia wished to get rid of this grant.

Mr. Spring Rice

said, the hon. Gentleman must observe the vote was decreased nearly 4,000l.

Mr. Hume

also strenuously objected to 16,182l. being granted for the propagation of the Gospel in our Colonies. The effect of the vote was, to cause the utmost jealousy and ill-will where the money was to be distributed. In Canada it had set the whole population against the Established Church. He would not press the subject at present, but would make every exertion to oppose it in future. Every other sect paid their own clergy; but the Episcopalians, who were the minority, had this money lavished on them.

Sir Robert Inglis

had reason to believe the members of the Church of England were more numerous in Canada than any other sect whatever. He considered it the imperative duty of a Christian Government to carry its religion with its flag, and to encourage and protect, in all its colonies, the worship of the Established Church.

Mr. Warburton

said, it was well known that the statement of numbers alluded to by the hon. member for Oxford, was not believed in Canada. The House of Assembly had contradicted the assertion that the members of the Anglican Church were the most numerous sect in Canada.

Mr. Hume

wished for some further information of the manner in which the sum of 296,000l., for improving the water communication, in Canada, was to be appropriated.

Mr. Spring Rice

could give no farther information than the report of the Committee, which had recommended the sum now proposed. The statement was of considerable length, and it appeared that, a balance of 143,000l. was still required to complete the work.

Mr. Warburton

was afraid 500,000l. more would be wanted instead of 143,000l.

An Hon. Member,

on the contrary, believed the expense would not exceed the amount stated. The work was a stupendous undertaking.

Mr. Ruthven

protested against the expenditure of so much money on a country which must, one day or other, be separated from the British empire. The sooner that separation took place, the better, if it could be done amicably.

Report adopted, and Resolutions agreed to.