Dent. It was declared that the opium trade was not to be continued; that it was an illegal trade; and that dealing in opium should not be suffered. It was supposed that Mr. Dent had been a person very much concerned in that trade, and had made a large fortune, as I believe many others have done, by that illicit trade. And Captain Elliot was blamed, when it was sought to have Mr. Dent given up, because he, her majesty's representative and the chief superintendent of trade in that country, stepped forward and said, "I won't allow this gentleman to be given over to the Chinese government, and to be tried as the Chinese government may direct." I should, my lords, be ashamed of the name of Englishman, if there could be found one in her majesty's service capable of acting otherwise than this gentleman did, under such circumstances. The noble earl has stated that a great deal of difficulty would have been got rid of, if Captain Elliot had complied with the request of the Chinese; and that the Americans gave up a seaman to be dealt with according to the Chinese laws. I am sorry for it. I must say, it was not their duty to do so. They would have done better to have taken a leaf out of our book, and to have followed the example of the East India Company, to put an end to the trade rather than risk the life of one of her majesty's subjects, or give him up to be tried by the Chinese government. _May 12, 1840._ * * * * * If we cannot sustain our power in the Canadas, we must necessarily lose all our dominions in North America. _June 30, 1840._ * * * * * Colonial responsible government, and the sovereignty of Great Britain, are completely incompatible. _June 30, 1840._ _Importance of Colonies to the Mother Country._ I have observed in this country, for some length of time, a growing desire to get rid of our North American dominions--a desire that they should become republics. This desire prevails amongst a very large party in this country. I am aware that there are also others--not, however, acting from the same motive--who desire that the separation should take place; tranquilly, if possible, but that at all events it should take place. In my opinion, these gentlemen are mistaken. It is my decided opinion, that, considering the resources and the power of these colonies, this country would sustain a heavy loss, indeed, if these colonies were to be separated from it. _June 30, 1840._ * * * * * _Religious Education must be provided out of the Funds of the Church._