men in Québec and Ontario

2,000 do Nova Scotia.

1,650 do New Brunswick.

"I also learn that in pursuanec of a pledge given by the Government of Lord Palmcrston in 1865, to the effect that Her Majesty's Government would ask Parliament to guarantec a loan, of which the Colonial Government would undertake the primary

(1) Sessional Papers, 1869, No 60, page 13. — Sessional Papers, 1871, No 46, page 4.

(2) Ministre des Colonies, du 8 mars 1867 au 10 décembre 1868.

rcsponsibility, aud which was to be raised for the purpose of defraying the cost of certain works of fortification required for the defence of the Dominion, an Act was passed in the month of May last, by the Législature of Canada, for raising a l«an of £1,100,000 accordingly.

"This Act is still under the considération of H.M.'s Government, but the pledge of the Impérial guarantee having been given upon the supposition that greater exertions than heretofore would be made by the Local Government to provide for the military defence of the Dominion, thus relieving the Impérial Exchequer from financial liability in this respect to a greater extent than has yet been accomplished, I cannot but think that when this guarantee is called for by the Dominion, especially considering the existing friendly relations between oursclves and the Government and people of the United States, Her Majesty's Government ought to effect a larger réduction of the force than is contemplated in the Duke of Buckingham's letter.

"In the year 1851, Earl Grey, then Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, addressing the Governor General of the British North American Provinces, wrote as follows: — 'Canada (in common with the other British Provinces in North America) now possesses in the most ample and complète manner in which it is possible that she should enjoy it, the advantage of self-government in ail that relates to her internai affairs.

" 'It appears to Her Majesty's Government that this advantage ought to carry with it corresponding responsibilities, and that the time is now corne when the people of Canada must be called upon to take upon themselves a larger share than they hâve hitherto done of expenses which are incurred on this account, and for their advantage.

" 'Of thèse expenses, by far the heaviest charge which falls upon this country, is that meurred for the military protection of the Province.

" 'Begarding Canada as a most important and valuable part of the Empire, and believing the maintenance of the connection between the mother country and the Colony, to be of the highest advantage to both, it is far from being the view of Her Majesty's Government that the gênerai military power of the Empire is not to be used in the protection of this part of Her Majesty's Dominions.

" 'But looking to the rapid progress which Canada is now making in wealth. and population, and to the prosperity which she at this moment enjoys, it is the conviction of Her Majesty's Government that it is only due to the people of this country that they should now be relieved from a large proportion of the charge which has hitherto been imposed upon them for the protection of a Colony now well able to do much towards protecting itself.

" 'In adopting this principle, I need hardly observe to you that Her Majesty's Government would merely be reverting to the former Colonial policy of this country-'

"Again in 1853, the Duke of Newcastle, then Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, acquainted the Governor General that Her Majesty's Government thought it ueessary to reduce the force then in Canada, that is to say, in the présent Provinces of Ontario aud Québec, from 4,110 to 3,170 bayouets; and pointed out to him that in doing so, they were only reducing the garrisons of Canada to the establishments of 1792 and

"Very exceptional circumstances hâve no doubt prevented the application of thèse principles to the British North American Provinces during the last few years; but thèse circumstances hâve in my opinion ceased, and I am not aware of any sufficient reason which should prevent our returning to the policy laid down in the Despatches to which I hâve above referred.

"The Government of the new Dominion has displayed an anxiety to improve the organization of its own defenecs, which is deserving of encouragement on our part; and, in doing so, has availed itsçlf of the assistance of some of Her Majesty's régiments in training the officers and men of its own volunteers and militia. The réductions which I now propose to your Lordship will not interfère with thèse arrangements.

"I shall be glad, therefore, to be favored with your Lordship's opinion, whether it is necessary that any portion of Her Majesty's troops should be left in the Dominion of Canada, beyond such as it may be deemed expédient to retain with a view to the training of the militia and the volunteers, and the maintenance of the Schools of Instruction.

"This number would be sufficient, in any case of emcrgency, to furnish the garrison of Québec."

"Upon the whole, thcrefore, with a view to the préparation of the estimâtes for the ensuing year, I should propose that the following troops should be immediately recalled from the Colonies, and that the addition to their number, to those which at présent constitute the whole force in this country, should be borne in mind in considering what number it is necessary to include in the votes to be submitted to Parliament, viz : —

From Canada —

One régiment of cavalry, three battalions of infantry.

From Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — Two battalions of infantry.

"I further propose the withdrawal from Canada of three batteries of fleld and three of garrison artillery, and from Nova Scotia of one field battery, which will cause a total réduction of 1,124 artillerymen."