Page:Letter from L. J. Papineau and J. Neilson, Esqs., Addressed to His Majesty's Under Secretary of State on the Subject of the Proposed Union of the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada.djvu/23

 of travelling, might certainly abuse this prerogative which is allowed him conformably to the practice in England, by assembling the Legislature where few of the Members could attend: but it is not the abuse of power in acts emanating immediately from the Governor that is the most to be apprehended in the Colonies. The 18th clause prolonging the duration of Parliament for one year more than at present established by law, has been reprobated by all parties as a violation of the existing Constitution of the Canadas, and an attempt upon the established liberties of the people.

These clauses seem to be altogether of form, and conformable to the present Constitution.

This clause is a direct attempt to destroy one of the most essential privileges claimed and exercised by every Colonial Assembly, and constantly allowed by the Crown. The power of imprisonment for contempt has ever been held by these bodies, as well as by the Courts and Magistrates, as