146 HISTORY 01“ PRINCE ED‘VARI) ISLAND.

payment of principal and interest. In plain English, the aggrieved parties were made practically responsible for op— pression in the production of which they had no hand, and for which, therefore, they could in no legitimate sense be held responsible. On the assumption that the British gov- ernment. were not accountable, the award of the commis- sioners was admirable; but, assuming their responsibility, the cost of rectification was recommended to be borne by the wrong parties.

Let it not be for a moment supposed that it is intended by these remarks to foster discontent in the island, to weaken the bonds which unite it to the old country, or to generate a spirit of' disloyalty to the Crown or dissatisfaction towards good landlords. “fore the writer inspired by so criminal a de— sire, his efforts would fail in the production of any such consequences. The people have learned to put no confidence either in governments or princes; but, under Almighty favor, by economy, temperance, and hard work, to trust to their own efforts in sweeping from the island the remnants of a pernicious system, and of attaining that measure of independence and prosperity to which such formidable ob- stacles have been presented, but the ultimate realization of which the capabilities of the island warrant. Since the island became British property, not a petition or complaint has been laid at the foot of the throne which has not breathed the most devoted loyalty; and the people, under trials which might have tested the patience of Job, have borne them with a degree of mcekness and patience to which few parallels can be produced; and at this moment the beloved Queen of Great Britain has not. more sturdy, faithful, and resolute defenders of her throne and person than the inhabitants of Prince Edward Island. Loyalty must be indigenous to a soil where, under such adverse con— ditions, it has taken such deep root and flourishes.