"London, 20 December, 1862.
"L. V. SICOTTE,
"W. P. ROWLAND.
"ED. WATKIN, Esq., London."
So much, and so far, for the Pacific affair. But in the Intercolonial
discussion there was an undercurrent. The only points left for
discussion with the Duke and Mr. Gladstone were the question of survey,
which was easily settled, and the question of a sinking fund for the
loan to be made on the credit of Great Britain. At first Mr. Gladstone
insisted on such a short term of repayment, and therefore so heavy a
put-by, that his terms took away the pecuniary value of the guarantee
itself: that is to say, that what the Colonies would have annually to
pay, would have amounted to more than the annual sum for which they
could have borrowed the money themselves. I suggested a longer term,
and also, that the interest on the annual put-by, to accumulate, should
be altered so as to alleviate the burden. In answer to a letter written
with the assistance of Messrs. Howe and Tilley, I received the
following from the Duke: -
"CLUMBER,
"8 Decr. 1862.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"I am sorry to say your letter confirms the impression I have
entertained from my first interview with the Canadian delegates - an
impression strengthened by each subsequent meeting - that Mr. Sicotte is
a traitor to the cause he has come over to advocate. I am unable to
make out whether he is playing false on his own account or by order of
his colleagues; but I cannot say I have any reason to associate Mr.
Howland with the want of faith in any dealings with me.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 101 of 492
Words from 27413 to 27686
of 136421
