6 THE COUNTY OF PERTH HERALD, STRATFORD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1864. Gur hifective Militia, The bombastic statements of the Ministerialist-, respecting the preseat strength of the Militia force, have been rudely disputed by a published return moved for by Mr. Walsh, the member for Norfolk. According to this return, it ap- pears that the largest number of volunteers under drill at any one time, was 8,000 men and 700 officers, in January last. This falls short of the random statement of the late Minister of Militia, Mr. John Sandfield Macdonald, that the force reached 35,000. It is quite clear, we think, that at no time has the volunteer force reached more than 15,000. Last month, accord- ing tothe statement in question, there was a great falling off, the total number in attendance ' at drill being only 6,440. The exaggerated statements of the Ministerial journals are just shown to have been gross exaggerations, got up with the view of deluding the public into the belief that the present Government had accomplished wonders, and re-organized an effective Militia force, when in reality the force was but little stronger than before. A paper militia will not serve the pur- pose of an efficient body of men ready to defend the country against invasion. The Minister of Militia took great credit to himself for effecting so much, but it turns Out that he was claiming more than his due, and that instead of having succeeded in increasing the force to the extent spoken of, the course he took was most effectual in reducing the volunteer force.--Spectator. ee Crown Lands. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. (From the Leader.) Quesec, March 24. From the report of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, laid before the House to-day, it appears that the sales of lands in Lower Canada during the year amounted to 235,391 acres,, the pur- chase money to $121,070 and the receipts to $75,981. On the colonization roads 6,681 acres were located as free grants to actual settlers. To the 5,900,557 disposable at the commence- ment of the year 337,461 acres were added by surveys, making a total of 6,246,018 acres, from which deducting sales and free grants of 242,072 acres, a balance of 6,003,946 acres re- mains on hand. 44,603 acres of Clergy Lands in Lower Canada were sold, in 1863, leaving a balance of 311,394 acres still disposable. 'The price of lands sold during the year was $33,913 and the gross amount received in payment of instalments, rent, &c., $38,766, from which taking the refunds and commission amounting to $7,850, there remains a nett revenue of $30,- 915 on account of the Lower Canada municipal- ities fund. The gross amount collected from the Jesuits' estate, during the year, was $30,- 320, and the expenses amounted to $2,626, leaving the nett receipts at $27,694, $15,189 have been realized from the Crown domain in Lower Canada, and the expenses under this head amounted to $2,134, leaving a nett revenue of $18,054. At the commencement of 1863 there were 283,935 acres of surveyed Crown lands in Upper Canada on hand ; in addition thereto 289,737 acres were subdivided, making a total of 3,129,- 095, of which 91,069 acres were sold, and 9,239 located as free grants on Colonization roads, leaving a balance of 3,028,787 disposable at the end of the year. The purchase money of lands sold during the year was $90,432 ; the amount collected was $171,021. There were 11,912 acres of clergy lands sold during the year, leaving 82,925 acres disposable. 'I'he price of the lands sold was $27,674. The gross collec- tions were $132,970, the disbursements $28,532, leaving a balance to go to the Upper Canada municipalities fund of $104,437, 1,580 acres of grammar school lands were sold, leaving 50,134 acres still in the market. The purchase money amounted to $1,198, the receipts $7,887, the nett proceeds (deducting $1,577 for expenses) $6,310. The sales of lands set apart for creat- ing a Common School fund amounted to 3,370 acres, leaving only 6,397 unsold. The purchase mohey amounted to $10,056, the gross receipts. to $128,390, the expenses to $27,959, the nett income of the year $100,430. The total nett amount realized from these lands up to the 31st December last was $1,010,495, the receipts from Ordnance lands during the year amounted to $21,905, the expenditure to $6,204. The report gives two sets of figures as the revenue from timber dues and ground rents in 1863. In'one paragraph it says the timber dues amounted to $327,389, and slide dues to $62,185, making a total of $389,575. In 'the next it says the amount accrued from timber dues and ground rents was $395,700, and from slide dues $72,763, making a total of $468,463, This is a serious discrepancy which impairs the value of the whole.seport...The charges for collecting timber. dues. and. ground rents amounted to $25,927, and for slide dues $1,000 ; total expenses, $26,927. The receipts for Indian lands and timber were $70,763 ; the interest.on investments, $68,756 ; annuities and grants, $35,020 ; makinga total of $174,540. The payments, comprising the annuities to Indians, salaries, surveys, &c., amounted to $147,816. At the commencement of the year the total sum, as represented in the books of this Department, at the credit of the various Indian lands, was $1,484,653 ; at its close it was $1,530,288, showing an increase of $45,635. The report then speaks at some length of the fisheries, surveys in Upper and Lower Canada and the progress of settlement on colonization roads in both sections. Under the head. of * general observations" the Commissioner says 'The quantity of public lands sold during the year was not quite equal to that of 1862. The falling offwas in Upper Canada, In Lower Canada the quantity sold was slightly in excess of "the previous year, The total amount of revenue from lands last year as compared with 1862, shows a still-greater™ diminution ; the amount collected in°1862 being $701,890, while that collected last year was only $555,016. 'In my report," he says "' for 1862, L anticipated there results and stated the causes Which in my judgment would sufficiently account for them. [ see no reason to qualify the statement 'then made." He then enters into consideration of the best means of collecting the large arrears still due for public lands, amounting nominally to be- tween six and seven millions of dollars, and he speaks next at some length on mining lands in Upper and Lower Canada. A colored map ac- companies the report, showing the character of the land and timber in newly surveyed town- ships, between the Ottawa River and the Georgian Bay, and to it the Commissioner makes reference as some data to guide opinion as-to the situation and quality of the public lands now open for sale in Upper Canada. In the conclusion of his report he'says: the past season was very favorable to the timber trade. oe ee The revenue exceeded by $114,706 that of 1862, while the cost of collection was not increased. The importance of the lumber and timber trade of Canada is hardly appreciated as it ought to be. There is an evident necessity for some amendment of the law to protect our forests against needless injury from the operations of the settler as well as of the lumberman. -- Execution of Meehan at Quebec. PEOPLE PRESENT--THE CULPRIT DIES VERY HARD. FIVE THOUSAND The unfortunate criminal John M. Meehan, suffered the extreme penalty of the law, yester- day morning, Tuesday, in front of the common jail, at Quebec, in presence of about 5,000 people. The appearance and demeanor of the prisoner was that of a man who fully realized the awfulness of the position he occupied, but had determined to meet his fate with unflinching fortitude.--His step was firm and manner cour- ageous. At ten o'clock he left his cell, ac- companied by his spiritual adviser, the Rey. Mr. Maher. When the prisoner reached the pinion- ing room, he submitted himself calmly to the hands of the executioner, He made his appear- ance on the gallows shortly after ten o'clock. He addressed the people in French and English, his speech occupying, about fifteen minutes, which he did in a deliberate manner. At twenty minutes after ten, the ominous click which announced the falling of the drop was heard, and the unfortunate man was launched into eternity. Immediately after the fatal drop, a general panic took possession of the crowd. The jail guard used eve.y effort to keep back the swaying multitude, and by their exertions succeeded in maintaining remarkable order under the circumstances, until the body was removed about half an hour after, by which time, the greater portion of the crowd had _dis- persed. s Meehan died very hard--cither in the clumsy manner in which the knot was tied, or from tha fact that his feet had not been pinioned, as well as his arms, the unfortunate man straggled in the agonies of death for five or six minutes. BIRTHS. DURST--In Ellice, on the Ist inst., the wife of Mr. Peter Durst, of a daughter. McKWAN--In Downie, on the 5thinst., the wife of Mr, John McEwan, of a daughter. HEEBNER--At Harrington (Zorra) on the 18th inst., the wife of Mr. Heebner, ofa daughter. LUPTON--In theGore Downie,on the18th inst., the wife of Mr. William Lupton, of a daugh- ter. SCOTT--At South Easthcpe, on the 19th inst., the wife of Mr. Henry Scott, of a daughter. MATHEWSON--In Stratford, on the 21st inst., the wife of Mr. Robert Mathewson, of "a son. DIED. SMALL--In Mitchell, on Saturday, the 19th inst., Susanna, wife of Mr. William Small ; age, 35 years. TURNER--In Stratford, on the 27th inst., Mrs. E. Turner, aged 34 years. Commercial. RAR AAAN PPL LPL LADLD DD PPD LDL Stratford Markets. The following Report is furnished by Messrs. Hanson & Fairtield. Wepyespay, March 30th, 1864. Fall Wheat # bush...... vee. $80 90 @ BO 95 Spring Wheat # bush........ 0 80 0 84 Opts 4 dish 2273893 08 08 RO. 0 00 0 38 Potatoes @# bush........ diy 0°20 0 60 Péagei bushiad sary eon 0 40 0 50 Barley a bush... 202.0 600006 065 0 70 Timothy Seed per bush 1:25 «4 230 Flour per bbl.. vores aes 400 4 50 Oatmeal per bbl... sve oa. t. 6 00 6 25 Butter per Ib..... 6. bal eke 013 0.15 "Store Packed perlb...... 0 123° 0 14 Eggs perdon: esti. 4.2% + 010 0 123 Mutton per 100 Ibs........004 4 50 5 00 Beef.per 1 00:lbaie eal ic. ¢ +. 250 3 00 Hay per tons... ei iis «ht ian M00 8 00 DOMOW POLI: 605. 5. o's 00 + okt 0 06 0 07 Apples per, bag: .ai.(saley. Jol 00 1 25 Cordwood per cord.........0% 125 1/50 Lard per'lb. tie .at vi wad Ui uo. 0 08 0 09 Sheapskcingwts3: asx. frottere . 'oti. 100 1 50 Hidedistsnwe ouatt. ie ton vies wd 400 4 50 Dressed Hogs. .ccc. ih isevses 4 75 5 50 GeEP ot. Lead cia, ae te 25 037 NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. DPLDDLDDALIIODS IIIS "PRINTER WANTED. COMPOSITOR WILL FIND EMPLOY- ment by applying immediately at. this Office. Stratford, 30th March, 1864. LDAP DP LDL LD DI 40-tf SPRING IMPORTATIONS. E ARE NOW RECEIVING OUR: NEW Stock, consisting of WRITING PAPERS Of every size and quality. They are of English, Irish, and Scotch Manufacture. This fact alone is:a sufficient) guarantee as to quality. Merchants and Dealers can find a GOOD ARTICLE AT REASONABLE RATES. SCHOOL BOOKS At wholesale prices, of which there is.a large sapply at VIVIAN & MADDOCKS', 30th March, 1864. Stratford. WALL PAPERS T COST PRICK, to make room for our Spring supply. Bargains will be given to large'purchasers. VIVIAN & MADDOCKS. Stratford, 30th March, 1864. THE CHEAPEST LOT OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUMS Ever brought into Stratford. Ladies, come and examine for yourselves at VIVIAN & MADDOCKS. Stratford, 30th March, 1864. Shakspere Ter-Centenary Commemorative Festival, HE GENERAL COMMITTEE HAVE TO announce the following as the Programme decided upon for the Celebration of the approach- ing Ter-Centenary of Shakspeare's Birthday :-- The afternoon of SATURDAY, April 23rd, Will be kept as a Public Holiday. At2p.m.a Shakspeare Oak will be planted by the Mayor in the name of the people of Stratford, in the Public Plot, to be known thereafter as " Shakspeare Square." At 3 there willbe a REVIEW OF THE MILITARY, Attended by the Band of the Volunteers, and atia REGETTA ON THE RIVER AVON. At half-past 7 o'clock in the evening of the same day, a Shaksperean Entertainment Will be given in the Town Hall. ALEXANDER McLACHLAN, Esa. The Canandian Poet, has engaged to be present, and deliver an Oration on the Genius and Works of Shakspeare; besides whom the Committee have been fortunate in securing the services of CHAS. B. MACKAY, Esg., son of Charles Mackay, Esq., the Celebrated Poet, and of RICHARD LEWIS, Esg., of Toronto, who will give readings from Shakspeare's Works. The Stratford Choral Society, Under the able Leadership of PROF. WILLSON, have kindly consented to give, during the even- ing, selections from theOperas founded on Shaks- peare's Plays. On the TUESDAY evening There will be a PRR BA In the Town Hall; the music (by special per- mission of Col. Grant) to be supplied by the Royal Canadian Rifle Band. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! By order of the Committee, P7eR,. ANY Us following, Chairman. W. BUCKINGHAM, Secretary. Stratford, March 25th, 1864. 40-td ' NEW ADVEKTISEMENTS. 1864.. MA CETEIN E..S FOF. STRATFORD FOUNDRY 1864. &C. DRILL HARROWS, | 'SHUAOTE 'SHOLVAEER TAD VATORS, &c., for the season. ent kinds of Two Wheel Cultivators. kinds--two wooden and one iron. Power. STRATFORD, 25th March, 1864. well to call and examine his stock before purchasing elsewhere. HE SUBSCRIBER IS MANUFACTURING A LARGE NUMBER OF PLOUGHS, CULTI- Farmers requiring any of the above Implements would do He manufactures three differ- Steel Teeth, with Wrought Iron Braces, [double Braces,] $28.00. Steel Tecth, with Cast Iron Stay, $25,00. Cast Teeth, with Steel Toe, $22,00. Also, 10 or 12 different kinds of Wooden Ploughs. Modeland, Ayrshire, Niagara Premium, Highland Mary, Yokums, Paiermo, Clipper, Phoenix, Large and Small Binghame. A superior article of Drill Harrow,with Steel Mould Boards,$9&$10 Straw Cutters, Horse Rakes, Road Scrapers, Wood Sawing Machines, good articles and at low prices. Township Councils can be supplied with Road Scrapers. He makes three different, Orders taken for Threshing Machines and Separators with Pitt's Double Pinioned Horse JOSEPH SHARMAN. 40-tf MARSHALL BROTHERS Will Open Out this Week and next, A Targe and Well Selected vo eft ae eG "Sea, Be oe FPRIUA ALD) SUD DRY GOODS, MILLINERY, CLOTHING, &C. 1S Ee AUN, BER TSB Mi Nos dN ede STRATFORD, 30th March, 1864. WHEE. 40-lin INFORMATION WANTED, F ALICE GRIFFITHS, aged about 15 ( years, She left St. Marys on the 3rd_ Dec. last ; is supposed to have gone towards Strat- ford, and has not since been heard of. Any in- formation respecting her whereabouts will be thankfully received by her father, W. H, Griffiths, Thorold Post Office, C. W. : Papers in Western Canada will oblige by giv- ing the above a gratuitous insertion. St. Mary's, March 23rd, 1864. WE HAVE JUST ISSUED A new edition of the HOME DOCTOR Family Herb Book. Price 40 cents... No family should be without it... It will teach you how to treat every disease man is heir to, without the assistance o a medical man; and when to procure and how to gather and preserve the Medicinal Herbs and Plants which grow in your pathway. VIVIAN: & MADDOCKS, Booksellers. 40-lin March 23rd, 1864. aN, WV DRY GOODS GROCERY STORE, JOHN J. CLARKE EGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE HAS taken possession of the premises lately known as the Palmerston Hotel, Which he is refitting throughout, and intends opening in the First or Second Week of April, WITH A SPLENDID STOCK ' Of new and seasonable 8Oegn | BEC Stratford, March' 22nd, 1864. 39-2 DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, | ALEXANDER CAVEN, Importer and General Dealer in ROCERIES, G LIQUORS, CROCKERY, Glassware, &c., &c., ONTARIO STREET, STRATFORD, Stratford, 19th Feb., 1864. 35-y Stolen. SPAN OF HORSES WERE. STOLEN from the Township. of Arthur Coun- ty of Miar ga ex on Thursday night, the 17th of March, 1864. One' of the Horses is jet Black with ring bone on the nigh hind foot; age eight years. The other is a bay, with black mane and tail, five years old. 'Any person giving information leading to the recovery of them will receive $20 for. their trouble. f ' : GARRAT CAVANAGH, 23rd March, 1864. 39-3t Weekly Globe and Leader to give 2 insertions, and send account to the Advertiser.