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Early in June 1839 the Canadian question was introduced in the British parliament by Lord John Russell, who, a short time before, had succeeded to the Colonial Office, and a bill was introduced for ‘re-uniting the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada and for the Government of the United Provinces.’ This tentative proposal, which in addition to uniting the provinces contained a scheme of local government, was designed simply to bring the discussions to a definite issue and to permit an expression of opinion in the Canadian provinces. At the same time a successor to Lord Durham was found in Poulett Thomson—until recently president of the Board of Trade. In 1830 Thomson took office under Lord Auckland as vice-president of the Board of Trade, and four years later succeeded to the presidency with a seat in the cabinet. Thomson as a successful man of business was a master of the questions of public finance and was known to have decided free trade proclivities. In fact, after the death of Huskisson, Thomson was regarded as the leading exponent of the new commercial heresies. Early in May, Lord Melbourne resigned only to return to office in a few days on Peel’s inability to form a cabinet. A reconstruction of the ministry was necessary. Lord Glenelg gave way to Lord John Russell, and Thomson was offered the choice of the chancellorship of the exchequer or the government of Canada. The exchequer, as he himself confessed, had become disagreeable to him. ‘All that can be hoped is to get through some bad tax. There is no chance of carrying the House with one for any great commercial reforms, timber, corn, sugar, etc.’ The greatness of the field and the privilege of grappling with a problem which had defied every attempted solution turned the balance in favour of the Canadian post.

Private.

LETTER FROM LORD DURHAM TO

POULETT THOMSON

Cowes, Sept. 1, 1839.

My dear Thomson,

I certainly can, and will give you, with pleasure, some useful (nay almost essential) information as to things and men in Canada, if you really wish to have it.

But if you, and your colleagues, have made up your minds to pursue the course which the ‘Ames damnées’ of colonial jobbery, the Robinsons, Arthurs, John Neilsons, etc., suggest to you, it will be only giving yourself and me unnecessary trouble to allude to the subject at all.

Be that as it may—you have personally my best wishes for your success—the attainment of which, believe me, depends on your relying on yourself and judging for yourself. With rare exceptions, and there are a few, all officials in both provinces are vitally interested in deceiving you and blinding you. If you once get within their slimy folds nothing can prevent your being swallowed, bones and all.

I am coming to town, for some business, on Tuesday, and shall remain Wednesday—either on the evening of the former or the morning of the latter day I can see you if you wish it.

I am, etc.,

DURHAM

Although armed with a more limited commission, Poulett Thomson was entrusted with greater powers than had been given to Lord Durham. As a former member of the cabinet he was thoroughly familiar with the ministry’s views on the Canadian question. As the intimate personal friend of Russell he was assured of the most complete confidence and support. The legislative union of the provinces, the settlement of a permanent civil list to include the salaries of the judges and the chief executive officers, and the introduction of local government, were the principles which he was expected to adopt. The question of responsible government was kept in the background as an issue on which a definite statement of policy could not be made in advance. Its application depended on the particular conditions of the time. In general, however, the principle was accepted that the executive council should consist of persons commanding the confidence of the majority of the House of Assembly. The constitution of the Special Council was revised so as to render it of greater assistance to the new governor, and instructions were given to Sir George Arthur to carry out whatever policies might be applied by Thomson.

On his arrival in Canada the new governor was confronted with a distinctly unfavourable prejudice. His advocacy of free trade and his personal interest in the Baltic timber trade alarmed the Canadian merchants. By the French Canadians he was feared as an advocate of union, while the Compact party were suspicious of his liberal views on responsible government. Thomson soon allayed their prejudices, and by his determination and industry in acquiring a command of the local situation won the confidence of all but the bitterly hostile.