172 IIISTOKY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. governors of the several provinces. On the proceedings of the assembly, his grace remarked that if a union, either partial or complete, should hereafter be proposed, with the concurrence of all the provinces to be united, he was sure that the matter would be weighed in England by the public,, by parliament, and by Her Majesty's government with no- other feeling than an anxiety to discern and to promote any course which might be most conducive to the prosperity,. the strength, and the harmony of all the British communities in . The desire of the home government to see a union of the Provinces consummated, having been thus indicated, a discussion of the question took place in the legislature of Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , and Prince Edward Island , in the sessions of 1861, which resulted in the appointment, by these provinces, of delegates, to meet in Charlottetown . In the assembly of Prince Edward Island there was considerable opposition to the idea of a legislative union, but the following resolution was passed by a majority : " That His Excellency the Lieutenant Gov ¬ ernor be authorised to appoint delegates—not to exceed five —to confer with delegates who may be appointed by the government of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick , for the purpose of discussing the expediency of a union of the three Provinces of Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , and Prince Edward Island under one government and legislature, the report of the said delegates to be laid before the legislature of the colony before any action shall be taken in regard to the proposed question." In the year 18G3 the two parties in the Canadian parlia¬ ment were so equally balanced, that it was found impossible to conduct the business of the country with any degree of c!liciency. The leading men. of both parties accordingly