Читать книгу Documents Relating to the Constitutional History of Canada 1759-1791, Part I - Adam Shortt - Страница 148

Table of Contents

This Government has hitherto brought nothing into the French King's Coffers. There was formerly a Regular Office for buying of Beaver Settled at Trois Rivieres, in the same manner, and with the same priviledges & Restrictions as those of Montreal, and Quebec. But the Advantage which the Inhabitants found in Carrying their Packs to either of the above mentioned Towns, where they could supply themselves with what Goods they wanted, encouraged them to Venture, disobeying the orders given to the Contrary, and of Course rendered the produce of that office, so trifling that after some Years it was joined to that of Quebec.

The only Branch of the Revenue remaining in this Government, is the Kings Dues & Rights, Amounting to a twelfth part of the Price in Case of Sale or Exchange of such Lands, or Houses, as lye upon his Demesnes; as also a fifth Part of the Price of Sale or Exchange of all Seigneuries & Mannors, as being Lord Paramount of all the Lands & Estates in Canada, of which Dues a third part was always remitted, thro' the King's Pleasure. The produce of which Branch has likewise failed from the want of a Commissary in this Government to Inspect, and look into it. — N.B. There was only One Person called Receiver-General of the King's Demesnes in this Colony, who Resided at Quebec, from the distance, & the want of a Deputy in this Government, the Inhabitants had all the opportunitys they could wish, to sink the King's Dues.