Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

I would like also to inquire whether or not the report of the commission to investigate certain matters

connected with concessions in the Yukon has been received ; and, if not, whether we could have any more definite information than that already afforded as to the date when it will be received ?

Hon. CLIFFORD SIFTON {Minister of the Interior). I have no information further than what I stated to the House when the hon. gentleman spoke about it before.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

I might suggest that it would be desirable to expedite it as far as possible. The commission was issued nearly a year ago. Matters involved in this investigation were debated in the House, I think, quite a year ago, and as we hope the session will not last many weeks longer, it is desirable to have the report brought down as soon as possible. I understand that the investigation, as far as the taking of evidence is concerned, was concluded a great many -months ago, and that some months have elapsed since a new commission was issued to Mr. Justice Britton. I would think that there is no reason why the report of the commission should not be in the hands of the government at the present time, but if the delay is due to the fact that Mr. Justice Britton is prevented from giving this matter his attention by reason of other public duties, it only affords an additional argument to indicate that these matters should not be committed to gentlemen who are so otherwise engaged.

CLANCY {Bothwell). Mr. Speaker, before the Orders of the Day are called, I would like to ask the government when we may expect the papers ordered in the early part of last week in relation to the seizure of binder twine ?

Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

I am sorry that I cannot give any information to-day to my hon. friend (Mr. Clancy). I will reserve it until to-morrow.

1. Is the Minister of Railways and Canals, or any of the officers of his department, aware that two employees in the Intercolonial Railway yards at Rivibre du Loup-Messrs La-plante and Beaulieu-have undergone a first investigation before Mr. Brassard, chief train-despatcher at Rivibre du Loup, on the order of Mr. Dubb, the superintendent, and that they Mr. R. L. BORDEN

were exonerated from all blame ; that Mr. Dubb, the superintendent, had them subjected to a second investigation, and that he found them guilty and suspended them from work, and that after a third investigation before Mr. J. E. Price, general manager, they were declared not guilty, and reinstated in their position ?

2. If not, is it the Minister of Railways and Canal's intention to procure a complete report of all that has taken place at Rivibre du Loup, in order to discover which is at fault, Mr. Brassard, Mr. Dube, or Mr. Price ?

3. In the affirmative, is it the intention of the department to give such orders as will in future prevent the recurrence of a like em-broglio ?

Hon. H. R. EMMERSON (Minister of Railways and Canals) :

Yes, the minister is aware that Messrs. Laplante and Beaulieu have undergone an investigation before Mr. Brassard, chief train despatches who reported to Superintendent Dube, sending him the evidence, but making nd recommendation. Mr. Dube then reinvestigated the case, and suspended Laplante and Beaulieu for six days, and ordered them to the train service. A third investigation was held by Mr. Price, who endorsed the suspension, but reinstated the men to their former places in the yard.

Hon. H. R. EMMERSON (Minister of Railways and Canals).

I will have to ask that this question stand, as I have not the information regarding the latter part of it.

Mr. SPEAKER.

Stands.

Mr. BELL.

The answer to this question has a bearing upon Bill (No. 6) which is the first order of the Railway Committee to-morrow, and it would be important to get the information if possible before then.

Mr. EMMERSON.

The first part of the question could be answered, but as to the rates charged by the different railways in all these, provinces we will have to secure that information, as I am informed by the officers of the department. I will ask the deputy and if he can get it I will be happy to bring it down.

1. The contract for quarry and field stone required on the Chambly canal for the, present year has not yet been awarded.

2. It is not the intention of the department to call for tenders for crushed stone for repairs to pier on the, Chambly canal, as repairs to pier are not required.