Lynch.

Peter Brady.

F. McGuire.

Thos. Williamson. Jno. Breekenridge. Pat. English.

Chas. Fox.

Mat. Breekenridge. Foulds Co. Ltd.

Thos. Davidson.

Jno. Breekenridge.

A. M. Cameron.

Scriver.

Annexed hereto is a sample of the letter of instructions sent to Mr. Clarry, in these matters, with a printed copy of instructions attached. A circular was sent to him and to the other agents having in charge claims for damages for drowned Mr. LEMIEUX.

January 29, 1909.

Trent Canal,

mchael Francis Lynch.

Sir,

I have the honour to inclose herewith copy of an order in council dated 22nd inst., authorizing the settlement of the claim presented by the above claimant for damages to his hnd by the waters of the Trent Canal; also the agreement from him to settle for $1,050, and I am to request you to investigate the title and obtain a deed of release from him if the title is satisfactory, the release to be for future as well as past damages. A copy of my printed instructions to agents is herewith inclosed for your information and guidance.

1. In connection with the Transcontinental Railway, eastern division, what amount has been paid or agreed to be paid to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company for surveys?

2. What is the total amount outside of the amount paid the Grand Trunk, expended by the government for surveying and locating the line ?

3. What is the total expenditure to date for engineers and other employees superintending, overseeing or having charge of the work of construction?

4. What is the total cost to date of and in connection with the office of the Commissioners, including rentals, supplies, salaries, &c., &c. ?

5. What is the government's 6hare of the total rent to date for terminal facilities at Winnipeg under arrangement with the Canadian Northern, and why should we incur this liability at all?

6. What was the actual cost to the country of the Quebec Bridge, if anything, before it was taken over from the company?

7. What amount did the government assume or pay when they took over the undertaking?

8. What was the total cost of the investigation into and in connection with the collapse of the Quebec Bridge?

9. What is the total cost of investigation, plans, specifications, advertisements, consultations, advice, expert and other services and preparations for rebuilding the Quebec Bridge?

10. What are the materials, structures, and works necessary for the completion of the railway, in a condition to be handed over to the company which are not included in the two contracts let; and what is the total estimated expenditure, not including anything for the Quebec Bridge, required to cover these items?

11. What amounts will he required to cover each of the classes of expenditure referred to in paragraph 10, and how much has been incurred or expended to date under each head-[DOT] i*'g?

Hon. GEO. P. GRAHAM.

This is very lengthy and very intricate,, and it will probably take some weeks to get the information asked for. I would ask that this be allowed to stand as a notice of motion.

Mr. SPEAKER.

Stand as notice of motion for a return.

Mr. A. C. BOYCE.

I desire to ask the government whether the report in the New York 'Sun' of March 27 last, a few lines of which I will read, is substantially correct with regard to the negotiations between the President of the United States and the Dominion of Canada on the subject of the arrangement of tariff duties:

Macdonald, editor of the Toronto * Globe,' the President arranged for the Albany conference with Mr. Fielding, and by his diplomatic tact with the latter he has been able to obtain sufficient concessions to justify him in declaring that Canada is not unduly discriminatory.

I would ask the right hon. leader of the government to state whether that report is substantially correct?.

Mr. FIELDING.

There are several thoughts in the quotation. What particular point of my hon. friend's question

Mr. BOYCE.

I will read the quotation again.

Mr. FIELDING.

I do not want to answer as to words but as to substance. If the hon. gentleman will state

Mr. BOYCE.

I ask whether this statement is true, that through the editor of the Toronto ' Globe ' the President arranged for the Albany conference with Mr. Fielding?

Mr. FIELDING.

I would not say that it is true, but there is a foundation of truth for it. Mr. Macdonald was in Washington, as any other visitor might be, obtaining impressions as to the situation. On his return to Canada, he mentioned, in the course of conversation with the Prime Minister and myself, that the American government would like to resume negotiations with the Canadian' government, and, if there was an assurance that the Canadian government would be willing to meet them, he thought an invitation would be sent. We said that we would be happy to resume negotiations at any time upon the invitation of the proper authority. Thereupon, the President sent me a telegram expressing his desire to meet me at Albany and expressing also regret that the Prime Minister was not able to be- present. That is the whole story.

Mr. BOYCE.

Was Mr. Macdonald sent to Washington to

Mr. FIELDING.

No. We had no knowledge of his movements at Washington. He" was there as a private citizen, or as a journalist.

Mr. W. H. SHARPE.

I would ask the Postmaster General (Mr. Lemieux) when I may expect the return asked for on February 2nd last in connection with the Wingate post office, Manitoba?

Mr. LEMIEUX.

I will inquire immediately after the adjournment.

Mr. CROCKET.

I would remind the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Pugsley) of an order of the House passed for a return of vouchers in. connection with the St. John river survey. I would like to have that return before the close of the session.