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/64



That the said Bill by allowing to Upper Canada, which contains only about one-fifth of the population of Lower Canada, a representation equal to that of the latter Province, would thereby establish, in favour of a minority, ap reference deeply humiliating to the inhabitants of this Province, contrary to their rights as British subjects, and dangerous to their interests; that however anxious your Petitioners may be to preserve that portion of constitutional power in the passing of laws regarding them, which is secured to them by the division of the two Provinces, they are desirous that their fellow subjects in Upper Canada, may continue to enjoy a similar advantage in common with all your Majesty's other Colonies.

That the said Bill, besides the fatal sources of discord, injustice, and confusion, heretofore mentioned, contains various provisions relating to the disposal of monies raised on the subject in this Province, and other matters, which are contrary to the birthrights of your Petitioners, as British subjects, and the express declaration of Parliament.

May it therefore graciously please your Majesty, that the said Bill do not pass into law, and that the Constitution and form of Government of this Province, as by the aforesaid mentioned statute happily established, may be preserved inviolate to your Petitioners and their posterity.

And your Majesty's Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

Lower Canada, 1822.