By statute of the General Assembly which received the royal allowance February I, 1799, the name of the Island was changed to that of Prince Edward Island, because of the inconvenience arising from other places bearing the same name, and to perpetuate the grateful remembrance of that peculiarly happy and auspicious period of the Island when under the command of His Serene Highness Prince Edward, commander-in- chief of the forces in Nova Scotia and this Island. Prince Edward was grandfather of our present King.

In early days some of the governors were in antagonism to the Assembly and during one administration the Island was practi— cally without parliamentary government for ten years. Occasionally differences arose between the two Houses and at one time in order to have a certain measure passed four new councillors were ordered to be added. This method has been resorted to in Eng- land by the creation of new peers. As a rule the governor and Legislature conducted public affairs on the most cordial terms.

The Executive and Legislative Councils combined were appointed by the crown. In 1839 these Councils were separated. Re- ligious disabilities were removed partially in 1830 and entirely by the statute passed in 1847.

In 18 51 responsible government was car- ried. The Assembly secured complete con— trol of the public revenues and crown lands and provided for the civil list.

In 1856 the number of members of the Assembly was increased to thirty, giving ten to each county, and requiring property quali— fication. The duration of each Assembly was made four years as it today, subject to be sooner dissolved by the governor.

On Ist November, 1862, the constitution of the Legislative Council was changed by

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rendering the same elective. Four mem- bers were given to each county, divided into districts, and one to Charlottetown. The elector required certain property quali- fications. A legislative councillor must have been a British subject, thirty years of age and resident in Prince Edward Island for five years and was elected for eight years. Members of the Assembly could not be mem- bers of the Council too. The crown had no power to dissolve the Legislative Council. Every general election of the members of the House of Assembly made a new Parliament. Previously no member of the Legislative Council could canvas for, or vote at, an election of any member to serve in General Assembly.

Controverted election cases which had formerly been investigated by the Legisla— ture since 1874, in order to remove the de- cision of these questions from party strife. have been tried by a judge of the supreme court.

The Executive Council continues at nine members. The departments of government now are: Attorney general, provincial secre» tary-treasurer and commissioner of agricul— ture; and commissioner of public works. the other members having no portfolios.

Under the British North America Act. 1867. provision was made for the admission of Prince Edward Island into the union with Canada. On the Ist of July, 1873, union was efl'ected and the Island became a part of Canada. By the terms and conditions of union it surrendered its general colonial powers to the federal government and re— tained its local autonomy.

The executive power is vested in the sov- ereign. represented in Canada by the gov— ernor general and in the province, by the lieutenant—govemor.

The legislative power is exercised by the