ABSTRACT
IT was hardly possible for an English statesman in 1841, whether or not particularly interested in colonial affairs, to ignore the importance of what was happening in the North American colonies, and particularly in Canada. Lord Sydenham, in full accord with Lord John Russell, had first, in the face of great difficulties, carried into effect the Union of the Canadas, and had then begun the second and more difficult part of his task—that of giving the Canadians a real voice in the control of their own affairs without conceding the demand for responsible government. His position was clear enough. The Governor must select as his advisers ‘men whose principles and feelings were in accordance with the majority’, and must administer all merely local matters in agreement with the wishes of the Legislature; but it was inconceivable that the Executive Council should be responsible to any one but the Governor for advice tendered to him. 1 If the old days of irresponsible oligarchy were gone for ever, that was no reason why the Governor should be a mere roi faineant, devolving upon a council the conduct of the business of the country.
