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6( _ Hon. Geo. W. Ross, in his Eupgeity--of fProvincial Treasurer, delivered his first ;budget speech to the Legislature yes-- terday. The review of the finances was a most admirable one, and illustrated in a striking manner the versatile in-- | tellect with which the Premier is en-- jdowed. Having for --~years occupied himself with the educational affairs of ithe Province, the new Treasurer might !have been excused if, on the occasion iof his first financial statement, he had :showed evidences that he was among 'new surroundings. Mr. Ross, however, ,handled his subject with all the skill 'ot an experionced finrancier, and dis-- :played a familiarity with figures which 'denoted that the question of education 'is not the only one to which _he has given close attention. Financial matters are often tedious and Premier Ross Tells of Buoyant Re-- venue and a Large Surplus. MILLION FOR HIGHWAYS. That is One Step in the Progressive Policy--Roads Must be Built For Incoming Seittlers--Asylum Accommodation to be Increased--A Prospective Surplus of $200,000 For the Current Year--Re-- lations of the Dominion and Province in Regard to Interest--bearing Assets. A PLEASING BUDGKT. TRIDAY, . MARCH 9 urinteresting, but the Premier's treat--| ment of the Provincial finances was ex-! tremely lucid and entertaining. He| was -- heard with -- close attention! throughout the two hours which the de-- livery of his speech occupied. _ An un-- usually buoyant revenue and a hand-- some surplus placed beyond the reach of dispute by the testimony of the most ecminent financiers in Ontario, were two matters which gave the Premier the op-- pertunity to congratulate the House and the country, and of this Mr. Ross! teok full advantage. HMe also made it clear that in view of the healthy state of the finances of Ontario no time would be lost in carrying out within reasonable limits those plans for the advancement of the material interests of the Province which were enunciat-- ed in the speech from the throne. Col.