The Express.
London, England, 1851-04-29 00:00:00

CANADA.

Our correspondent writes as follows:
MONTREAL, Aram 11.
One of the most important questions that can claim
the attention of the people of this pros ince is now being
earneNtly di,euoa d ; it is, whether the Canadian govern-
ment shall close the Welland Canal to the Americans, and
impose differential duties in favour of the St. Lawrence.
There is much difference of opinion on the subject, both
among the free traders and the pmteetionists; and I believe
our free trade government is seriously entertaining the pro-
position. The people of Oswego feel alarm, and sent a de-
putation to Toronto a few days ago, to ascertain the views
of our government on the subject. They received no decided
reply, but weri• told the matter was under consideration.
An answer of this kind surely mould not have been given
unless the government had some intention of closing the
canal.

The Welland Canal, as all your readers acquainted with
Canada matters are aware, is the only navivable water com-
munication between Lakes Erie and Ontario. The Ameri-
cans have at present the use of it, of which they avail them-
selves to tr,uismit large quantities of western produce he-
t wren the port. on Lake Erie and those on the south side
of Like Ontario.

The closing of this canal against the Americans is urged
as an act of reprisal, heenuw, they have refused to grant us
the so much talked of reciprocity bill. It no doubt would
much injure certain American interests; and to judge front
the tone of the Wok (government organ) the govern-
mo I
nt believe. it would weigh with the Americans in in-
ducing them to grant reciprocity ; and the Glohc appeals
to the supporter. of the ministry to repose confidence in
their discretion, as they lasses information that leads them
to pursue their present course.
This canal, in connection with others, was constructed at
an immense expellee to the province, and the interest
is found to he very burdensome. It was constructed de.
signedly to draw through our waters the western traffic.
Unless we have it, we cue never pay the interest of the cod
of the canal. But it is contended on one hand, that the
produce must pass through the cued, and that the only
dif-
Jerenee would he that it would hod its way in British
loottnnui. Those in the shape of lake craft do mot exist,
but it is 11(.1d the demand there would he fur them would
soon call them (into existence. But on the other hand,
there is the fact that the American millers and produce
dealers keep their own vessels; and further that it is idly
to talk of shutting the AMIIiCIIII. up. This was tried once
before, and the digging of the Ene Canal was the con-
sequence ; and there exist nn MAIM% why another canal
may not be made on their side of the Ells or Niagara.
There are many other reams urged on both sides, hut
I fear it would encroach ton much main your space WI,
Ito detail them. I think it is very doubtful if the Ameri-
cans will change their course of policy for the sake of a
retaliation which would injure ourselves.
It is now pretty well understood that our parliament
will he convokes! to meet om the 20th of May. This will be
one of the quest' that will come up, and I will advise
you what action is taken.
The railway excitement continues. Preparations are
rapidly making for the eaten: ..f the lines that will
place us indirect railway communication with New York at
a distance of only one day's travel. The other day, in this
city, a meeting was held to take sups to construct a line to
meet the Vermont railways. The feeling was in favour
of it.
The new postal set has, as you know, gone into operation
during the week. We have now a uniform rate of 3.1. on
the half-ounce, and id. on newpapere, besides arrange-
ments having been made for letters and papers to come
from and go to the States, without the great inconvenience
of necessity to pr.-pay the lostage. The new postmaster
general, th.• llon. Lou,, Morrie, gives general satisfactions.
His is one of the most popular appuintments the government
has mask,
The ice hg now broken no in the St. Lawrence, and the
navigation is omit Steamers arrived in thin port to-day.
The navigation in Upper traioada and on Lake Champlain
Is also open. We have beautiful spring weather.
Contemn lAL.-111.1r are operations of any mo-
ment to report; but ea are mentioned of a very
large spring trade.

We learn from the papers that another Periong dis-
turbanee has taken place among the labuureN on the
Great Western Railroad. All the overseers were
badly beaten and one nearly killed. The military
were expected to arrive for the preservation of peace.
It is announced, on good authority, that Mr.
Lafontaine, the leader of the French Ctinadians, and
the attorney-general for Canada East, will retire from
public life at the claw of the present parliament.
An association has been formed by the high church
party to prevent the secularisation of the clergy.
revenues, Inut it fails to attract attention, and will
probably produce no decided effect.
The lectures of Mr. George Thompson, M.P., and
Frederick Douglas, at Toronto, were heard with
general interest, and have awakened a spirit of
inquiry on the subject of antislavery, though the
movement continues to be strongly condemned by
a portion of the press, on the ground that non-inter-
ference is the true policy fur the British provinces.