BOOK II.

The Struggle for Responsible
Government.

CHAPTER L
THE ASSEMBLIES AND THEIR [YORK.

Lower Can- The first parliament of Lower Canada met

ada. The   at Quebec in December, 1792. Some of its

New Gov-   members spoke only English, others only

ernment. French, and every man wished all business to be done in his own language. But at last it was decided that members might speak in either language, but that motions or questions to be decided must be read in both languages before being voted on.

Under the wise rule of Lord Dorchester the new government worked smoothly. During these years the money received from the taxes was not nearly enough to pay the expenses of government, but the British government paid what was short.

In 1793 a Nvar broke out between France
and England. The assembly sent an

address to the king, assuring him of the loyalty of his
Canadian subjects. A French fleet was at New York,
and it was feared that Halifax would be attacked. The

158

War with France.