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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

THE system of responsible government has been severely tried in Prince Edward Island. The feuds that subsisted there for so many years between the proprietary and tenant classes have, together with the opposition of a minority possessed of long official experience, imparted much acerbity in the management of the public affairs of this little island. But as the land question seems settling down, and the operation of the recent "Land Purchase Bill" has thus far been successful, discontent is subsiding. The condition of the mercantile community is pros- perous, and commercial operations have been much facilitated by the recent establishment of the "Prince Edward Island Bank." There has been a slight falling off in the revenue of 1855, which was antici- pated, and is attributable to the operation of the free trade principle introduced by the Reciprocity Treaty, as well as to the great depression in the shipping interest, which lessened the importations generally. The surplus revenue of previous years renders this decrease unimportant, and when the low rate of duty levied on articles of general consumption is considered, the financial resources of the island may be said to be in a sound and satis- factory state.

The Parliamentary grant for this island, which ussually amounted to 3,040%, is now reduced to the payment of the Lieutenant-Governor's salary of 1,5001, per annum.

The troops have been withdrawn from this island, and though there is a militia it only exists in name. According to law the population between the ages of 16 and 60 are liable to serve.

TABLE.

Year.

Revenue.

Expenditure.

£

T

1859

31,388

$9.985

1853

25,545

$8,453

1834

1855

28,064

30,198

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TEC.O. 882

سلسل

1

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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