iculated in such a manner as to explain the new system of government as a benefit to the Canadiens. The inhabitants were shown the glories of the their new constitutionalism and instructed in the functioning of its various parts. Le Canadien and the Quebec Mercury quickly began to play out the political tensions. The debates at one point were so vicious that the Quebec Mercury was charged with libel. The Quebec Mercury was ordered to write a public apology. Obviously this did not go over well with the English and again the tensions peaked. The professional class that began to dominate the elected assembly, received little recognition as educated and worthy politicians. Governor Craig attitudes towards the Canadiens was that they were drunken and grossly ignorant people, ant that their religion should be placed under Anglican hierarchy. Craig also believed that the assembly was made up of enemies of Britain; petty lawyers and notaries that knew nothing of the British Constitution or legislature, although they confess to the opposite, and that these members were doing all that could be done to bring the loss of Canada to Britain. The animosity felt by Governor Craig towards the Canadiens, was taken with great stride by the members of the assembly at whom they were directed to. Pierre Bedard, seen as a leader of this new professional class and one of the founders of Le Canadien, felt the greatest repercussions from the English. Pierre Bedard along with other members of Le Canadien were jailed. After the other men were released from prison, Bedard remained incarcerated for one year. However this incarceration did make Pierre Bedard hostile but rather more determined to win the political system and the English. After his release, Pierre Bedard made this address to his constituents: The Past ought not to discourage us, nor...
