THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1858.

Colonist, Issue 23, 8 January 1858, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1858.

" As truth is truth, ' t And, told by halves, may, from a simple thing By misconstruction to a monster grow, ; I'll tell the whole truth-." Sheridan Knowles.

The absence of the late Speaker D. Sinclair, Esq., from the present Council, has been universally regretted. His gentlemanly bearing, goodnature, impartiality, legal standing, knowledge of legislative routine, and forbearance from that waspish and pedagogic officialty which sometimes exalts small natures in the Chair into collossal dimensions, will not we fancy be quite forgotten, even under tha shadow of more recent authority however pertinent. On the motion of Dr. Munbo seconded by Mr. Elliott, andacquiesed in generally, as few others of the old members of Council could be spared from its ranks, Mr. Baknicoat was placed hi the chair. '■■■-''-' * The present Speaker, we are told, is a man of some shrewdness. His supporter, in his usually clear and able manner, recommended him to his new?and>;cxalted position, which we hope he will adorn with the firm, wise, and gentle dignity that so well feeebme it. What he may want in quiet, unperturbed force of mind or .manner, in universality of information, and especially in general knowledge of Parliamentary conventionalties, we hope, he will redeem, if necessary, by affability, prudence and careful supervision of the business of the House. His Honor the Superintendent having been duly announced, advanced through the standing Council to the chair. After requesting the honourable members to be seated, he delivered a speech of more expiicitness and more at large, we believe, than was his address on a prior occasion^^He spoke in an impressive jmd a manly style, and^ms heard with^sgofound attention. The chief feature, of his interesting communication will be in, ' vestigated, we presume, on Tuesday next. If the time for considering the same be somewhat late, there will be the more likelihood of justice being rendered to its merits. We may here observe that these were not hidden from the spectators; for his Honor retired from the Council amidst the marked applause of a numerous assembly of ladies and gentlemen. The proceedings of Council having barely commenced, we cannot of course report any particular doings. Little has transpired, at present, beyond a mere conversational prelude to higher interests. But, judging from the prevailing tone ofthe members, we should be disposed to believe, that a sincere regard to the public welfare will predominate over all minor considerations. The good sense of the Council will, we flatter ourselves, devise and adopt regulations beneficial to all with as few defects as may be.