made law, would give the whole Canadian people equal representation in Parliament, and each elector due weight in the government through Parliament."

The Council thereupon appointed a special committee to carefully weigh the whole subject, and consider how best to deal with the matter and carry into effect the wishes of the meeting and the authority and trust conferred on it by the Institute.

After many meetings and conferences, the Council has adopted the recommendations of the special committee, and now appeals to every member of the Institute and to all thoughtful persons within the Dominion, for their assistance in obtaining a complete solution of the problem.

While the Institute addresses Canadians as being specially interested in the good government of their own land, the prize competition is extended to all persons of whatever country, on equal terms, as set forth in the conditions issued herewith.

On which The Canadian Institute offers to award prizes for essays on 66 ELECTORAL REPRESENTATION AND THE RECTIFICATION OF PARLIAMENT."

The sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) has been placed at the disposal of the Council of the Canadian Institute to be awarded in whole or in part by the Institute for the best workable measure (Bill or Act of Parliament) which, if made law, would give the whole Canadian people equal representation in Parliament and each elector due weight in the Government, through Parliament.

The Council of the Institute accordingly invites essays on Electoral Representation and the Rectification of Parliament, accompanied by a draft bill applicable to countries with a Parliamentary System similar in general features to that of Canada.

The essays will be received by the Council before the first day of July, 1893. As the Transactions of the Institute are printed in English, it is desirable the essays should be in that language. They are to be signed with a motto, and the name and address of the writer are to be enclosed in a sealed envelope, endorsed with that motto; the whole under one cover, to be addressed

ELECTORAL REPRESENTATION.

TO THE Secretary,

CANADIAN INSTITUTE,

TORONTO, CANADA.

The sealed envelopes to remain unopened until final adjudication by the Council of the Institute.

The Council will, immediately after the 1st July, 1893, examine all the Essays received.

All treatises of merit, to which an apparently "workable measure is appended (in which considerable latitude must necessarily be allowed), will then be referred to an independent tribunal for a report. It will be the aim of the Council to have this tribunal composed of men of the highest standing in their several spheres, comprising persons learned in political science, law and practical politics.

The Council proposes that one award be given of not less than five hundred dollars ($500), and others, proportionate to the merits of the works submitted.

If the essays and draft bills shall not be thought by the above tribunal of sufficient merit to entitle them to receive the principal or any premium, or if the Council on receiving the report shall be of that opinion, the Council reserves to itself the right not to award any premium.

The Canadian Institute reserves to itself the right to publish the successful essays and draft bills to which premiums may be awarded.

CANADIAN INSTITUTE,

Toronto, April 4th, 1892.

ALAN MACDOUGALL,

Secretary.

Alan Macdougall, Esq.,

Corresponding Secretary Canadian Institute, Toronto.

SIR. I am desirous of bringing to the attention of the Canadian. Institute a subject of more than ordinary importance, and to my mind, especially so at this period in our history. I beg leave to refer to the accompanying "Note" by which it may be seen that the design in view is the removal of certain evils which unfortunately beset us as a people.

I cannot resist the impression that the examination of the facts presents a scientific problem, in no way unworthy the consideration of the Institute; and if a solution of the difficulties presented be possible, it can best be obtained by bringing the subject to the attention of properly qualified minds. It is the duty of us all to seek the best means of serving our country, and on this ground I appeal to the Institute to extend its consideration to the matter which I respectfully ask permission to lay before its members. The Institute, from its recognized character as a scientific and literary body, holds a peculiarly favourable position to entertain the consideration of the subject. It may be briefly described as an inquiry into the possibility of rectifying our electoral and parliamentary system, with the view of averting many evils now attending it, and of promoting the common happiness by terminating party conflict, and assuring political peace and freedom, by the removal of the painful and depressing influences from which we suffer.

I feel therefore warranted in appealing to the Institute, as a body nonpolitical in its corporate character, but which, nevertheless, is representative through its members of all shades of opinion, to give the weight of its name in directing public attention to the subject.

I trust I am not too sanguine in expressing the hope, that by the weight and influence of the Institute, so great and so general an interest in the subject may be awakened, as to lead to important and beneficial results. Should a practical solution to the problem be obtained, it will be attended with the happiest consequences, and the Institute will have conferred a lasting benefit on the Dominion.

Along with the accompanying "Note" I enclose a list of writings bearing on the subject of this communication, some of which are of deep interest.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed)

SANDFORD FLEMING.