Document Information

Date: 1867-02-02
By: Earl of Carnarvon et al
Citation: Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon: Lord Carnarvon, Cabinet, Confederation, The Senate of Canada, Question of additional members beyond the 72, at a crisis. Lord Carnarvon’s appeal to his colleagues. The opinion of ten. (February 1 1867), London (UK), The National Archives (PRO 30/6/169).
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162

Confederation of the B.N. American Provinces

I communicated to the Delegations the alteration in the constitution of the Senate wh. the Cabinet desired to be made. They have accepted the principle + have embodied their [illegible] in the accompanying [illegible] – with this modification 1. That the appointments shall be with the Crown. 2. That the number added shall not exceed six.

The intervention of the Crown is to my mind a doubtful proposal: but it is desired to be a check upon popular feeling + the action of the local Govt. and I do not see that we can take exception to it.

The number six appears to me to be insufficient to meet the dangers of constitutional “dead-locks” which I pointed out to the Cabinet – but the difference between six proposed by the Delegates + 12 named by the Cabinet as a maximum is not very large.

I am afraid that there may be [illegible] difficulties, but the proposal now submitted comes to near to the decision of the Cabinet that I do not see that we can reasonably object to it.

I shall be glad to be [illegible] with the opinion of my colleagues with as [illegible] delay as is profitable.

Carnarvon

2 Feby. 1867

163

I am disposed to think we may accept this proposal; but it would be better if possible to [illegible] power to add 9 or 12 instead of 6.

[illegible name]

[illegible] agree to the delegates Proposal

[illegible]

I think the reference to the Crown is an improvement. To override a legislative chamber by the process of [illegible] is [illegible[ extreme a measure. That it ought to be accompanied by the utmost formality. I think that 12 would be a better number than 6.

I should accept the alteration.

Cararvon

Yes. [D]

I do [illegible] think the plan will work: but the lesser evil is to accept it.

If the proposal is an ultimatum I think it must be accepted.

[S]

I agree

[illegible name]

I think the reference to the Crown an improvement—but the number would be better if 9 or 12 than six – Bel

[C]

I prefer the suggested alteration of the Delegates to ours, as approaching more nearly to our House of Lords. [illegible]

I think the proposal of the Delegates should be accepted.

[illegible]

Lord Carnarvon

Cabinet

Confederation

The Senate of Canada question of additional members beyond the 72, at a crisis. Lord Carnarvon’s appeal to his colleagues. The opinion of ten.

2 Feby. 1867