REVIEW or LAND COMMISSIONERS, Rnron'r. 157”

In coming to a just decision respecting the conflicting opinions which we have endeavored to present with precision and clearness, it is necessary to review the whole proceedings.

In the year 1858, Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, secretary of state for the colonies, intimated to the lieutenant-governor of“ Prince Edward Island that the whole question of the land tenures was engaging his anxious attention, and that it would, give him unfeigned pleasure to receive such suggestions for their amicable settlement as could be accepted by Her hIajcsty’s government. In consequence of' the expression of' this wish, the house of assembly adopted certain resolutions praying for the appointment of a commission as oti'ering in their judgment the best means for the satisfactory adjust-- ment of existing disputes, intimating at the same time that, in the opinion of the house, the basis of such adjustment would be found in a large remission of arrears of rent, and in giving every tenant, holding under a long lease, the power to purchase his farm at a certain fixed rate. In the mean time a change took place in the imperial government, and the Duke of Newcastle became colonial secretary, who wrote in a despatch dated the sixth September, 1869, “ that any prospect of a beneficial result from the labors of the com- mission would be nullified if its action were fettered by con“ ditions such as the assembly proposed. I cannot,” said his grace, “advise Her Majesty to entertain the question, unless it is fully understood that the commissioners are at- libcrty to propose any measure which they themselves may deem desirable.” A copy of the memorial of the house was sent by order of the Duke to Sir Samuel Cunard, requesting him to call a meeting of landlords, for the purpose of' ascertaining whether there were any concessions which they were willing to make, with a view to bring the questions in dispute to an amicable issue. To the letter of,’