The Sun.
London, England, 1862-01-16 00:00:00

CANADA.

(From (he Special Correspondent of (he Times.)

MONTREAL, DEC. 30.

Though the conclusion come to by the United
States' Government on the affair of the Trent has
removed the apprehension of immediate hostilities,
the prevailing impression throughout Canada is
that the result would have been different if the
consequences of a rupture with Great Britain at this
juncture had not been so apparent as to have im-
pressed even the mind of Mr. Seward with the most
serious concern.

Though the course pursued by the. British Go-
vernment and Lord Lyons has been as courteous
and conciliating as it was possible for the convey-
ance of so firm a demand to be, yet there can be no
doubt that the proceeding will rankle in the minds
of the American people, and that when they feel
themselves more able to enter on a war with Great
Britain a cause of quarrel will not be wanting.
It is to be hoped, however, that as regards one
element which the American Secretary was wont
to believe would favourably affect the fortunes of
war—namely, the sympathy of Canada with the
United States—he has now seen his self-delusion.
If the American Government have not been
utterly unobservant of events, the attitude which
the North American colonies and especially Canada
has assumed must hereafter weigh far more against,
than ever it did in favour of, a rupture. From
Halifax to Lake Superior more than 3,000,000 of
people have given no uncertain indication of the
determined resistance with which they will meet
the invasion of their soil, and of the loyal and de-
voted support they will offer to the Crown. There
is no longing for American institutions—there is
no indifference among the colonists whether they
are transferred from a monarchical to a repub-
lican government or not ; but there is a deep-
rooted resolve to stand by the Throne and
furtutica of England, and to taansuilt to their
posterity the heritage of constitutional liberty which
they now enjoy. The British American colonists
had no more special interests in the events that led
to the misunderstanding between England and the
United states than any other British subject in
the remotest quarter of the globe. They had, how-
ever, far more at stake on the issue, for they knew
that Canada would be the battle-ground, and that
war, with all its horrors, would be at the thresholds
of their homes. Yet, the resolution of the British
Government to maintain the national honour was
received throughout the land with a hearty and
unqualified response. There was no boasting or
mere evanescent enthusiasm, but there was no
craven apprehension of the consequencss to them-
selves. All began to prepare with a firm and
cheerful resolution for the alternative if the insult
was not atoned for.

The population of Canada is far from homoge-
neous, but in this instance the descendants of
with their fellow-
erceive that both in
eForlaonncisetvs ioefd
Binritfrisihenodtliygirni.vallryp
the United States and in Ireland the hope has been
expressed—if the assertion has not been actually
made—that the Irish in Canada would not rally in
support of the Crown, but would rather cast in
their lots with the enemies of England. I am
happy to be able to give the most unqualified con-
tradiction to any such statement. Irishmen who
have on other subjects entertained such discordant
opinions as even to affect their personal intercourse
with each other were to be seen in hearty and ear-
nest co-operation devising measures for the defence
of the country. At all the meetings which they
have held separately, and at all in which they have
participated, men of every creed and politi-
cal party have sunk their former differences, and are
united in the firm resolution to defend the soil

against invasion to the last. I should not have
alluded to this—for, as I have already said, no dis-
tinctions of origin affect the loyal unanimity of the
people—but for the sake of removing any misap-
prehension that may have arisen abroad from igno-
rance of the state of feeling here.
There arc few countries more exposed to hostile
attack than Canada is from the United States, but
there are also few in which an enemy would run
greater risks from unsuccessful attack. A reference
to the map will show that for nearly 1,500 miles
there is no other barrier than narrow waters,
easily navigated, or a lino which in many places
exists only in name. A successful landing in force
at certain places might be possible, but let an enemy
attempt to advance to the interior, or to obtain pos-
session of any commanding point which would bring
him any nearer a subjugation of the country, with
these same waters, for months impassable from the
ice, in the rear, with a hardy, resolute, and united
population round him, and the end is not difficult
to foresee.

Canada, in case of emergency, could bring into the
field upwards of 200,000 militia, inured to the hard-
ships of a northern climate, and admirably adapted
for purposes of defence. During the last fortnight
men have been forming themselves into volunteer
companies and battalions in every city and parish
in the province, and are engaged in drilling, while
the Government is preparing a proper scheme of
systematic organisation. It is to be hoped that the
authorities will profit by the spirit of the people
which the presence of danger has evoked to place
the militia on such a footing of efficiency as that
bereaftek they can be brought out on any emer-
gency. A moderate proficiency in drill and in the
use of arms would be acquired in a few weeks by
men of the stamp and intelligence that are every-
where to be seen here.
There is a marked contrast between the men in
Canada and the corresponding class in the United
States. Here vaunting and the mere glitter of
playing at soldiers are avoided; fancy dresses for
display are discountenanced ; the Government re-
cognise only the uniforms of the British army; and
there is a most sensible disposition prevailing among
the volunteers to forego everything in the way of
electing their officers which might interfere with
the efficiency of the force in the field. Indeed, every
other consideration is made subservient to this.
The men in every district, from Sarnia to Quebec,
act as if they were engaged in a serious and solemn
business; not in a mere gaudy pastime. Submis-
sion to discipline and the dignity of obedience are
both understood and practised here, and the enemy
that attempts the subjugation of Canada undertakes
a work for which greater resources and military
power are needed than this continent has yet seen
displayed.
It cannot be denied that the determination evinced
by Great Britain to put forth the whole strength of
the empire and the succour which has been so
promptly despatched from England have had an en•
conraging effect on the population. The news that
steamships had sailed with arms and military sup-
plies, that a judicious selection of officers acquainted
with the country had been despatched to train the
Militia and carry out an organised system of defence,
had a most cheering influence on the public mind.
It ought not to be concealed that the situation was
a most critical one. With no access at this season
by rail or water to the ocean, except through an
enemy's country, with a small force of regular troops,
and with a scanty supply of arms and ammunition
for a Militia force proportionate to the defence of
such a frontier if hostilities had suddenly broken
out, the enemy might have obtained most important
advantages, and done irreparable mischief. It is
felt in the province that, if Canada is to be pre-
served a means of access to the ocean through British
territory in winter, either by way of Halifax or St.
John's, must be provided. The colonies offer to bear
one-half the interest on the necessary capital, and
ask Great Britain to assume the other. Unless this
road is built, an Imperial force, capable, in conjunc-
tion with the Militia, of resisting an attack for at
least five months during winter, must be constantly
quartered in the country. The past lesson—is -in-
structive. The Canadians profess themselves quite
ready to contribute any fair share for such a work
of defence, but they say that they have already gone
to the full measure that prudence justifies in aid of
their internal communications.
The Persia succeeded in getting up as far as Bic,
a point about /50 miles below Quebec, on the 27th
inst. The present season has been unusually open
and mild, and during ordinary weather a ship could
not have ascended the St. Lawrence so far. Snow-
storms come on with remarkable suddenness in
these lower regions, and ice will form and collect in
a few hours sufficient to prevent all communication
with the shore, if not seriously to endanger the
safety of the ship. The case of the Persia was an
illustration of this. The ice came down on Satur-
day at Bic, when she was engaged in landing
the 16th Regiment; several of her boats were
crushed, and she was obliged to slip her anchors
and run for sea, carrying with her the remainder of
the regiment, the heavy baggage, &c., and leaving
behind a considerable number of her own crew. She
would probably make for Halifax, and thence go
to St. John's, New Brunswick, from which the force
will be forwarded up the St. John's Valley, via
Frederickton and Grand Falls to Riviere du Loup
on the St. Lawrence, whence there is communica-
tion by rail direct to Montreal. The Australasian
(with the 2d Battalion, 20th Regiment, and a batta

lion of the Rifle Brigade, as is supposed) attempted
an ascent of the St. Lawrence, but was driven back
by the ice. She is probably already at St. John's,
and the troops may be looked for here in 10 days.
The first division of the 16th Regiment arrived yes-
terday afternoon, having come through direct from
Riviere du Loup in 18 hours.

The Governor-General, Lord Monek, and Sir F.
Williams have been untiring in their exertions to
meet the emergency—the former has commended
himself to the community by his frank and cordial
manner, and gained a reputation for affability and
readiness of access on business connected with the
public service. The commander of the forces has
recently made a tour of inspection, and has taken
measures for erecting earthworks at various points
of the frontier where danger is most to be appre-
hended.

The Americans have not been behindhand in this,
nor indeed in works of a much more permanent
character. Fort Montgomery, at Rouse's Point,
near the northern end of Lake Champlain, is a
position of the most formidable kind. It is built of
solid masonry on a spit of land stretching to the
middle of a narrow channel in the lake, and when
a small embankment of earth is removed will be
surrounded entirely by water. It is not yet altoge-
ther completed, but has recently been garrisoned by
a body of Texan Rangers. The ground on which this
fort is built and several other points, the strategic
importance of which is now apparent, arc stated to
have been originally within British territory, but a
claim to them having been made by the United States,
negotiations for defining the boundary were opened,
which resulted in their being given up to the Ame-
ricans. It is to be hoped that when future events
permit a rectification of the frontier these positions,
which are a standing menace to Canada, may be
again restored to the territory from which they
were severed. Montreal will, of course, be the
centre of operations. There are greater facilities
for obtaining supplies and quattering, troops here
and for distributing them to the various points of
the province where their presence may be required.
To reach Quebec at present from the south shore
by rail the St. Lawrence has to be crossed by the
hazardous and difficult process of canoeing. The
river is filled with masses of floating ice, and un-
less the ice bridge forms, this state of things must
continue till navigation opens in the spring. The
other route is on the north shore, but sledges are
the only means of conveyance. The military autho-
rities have rented several large buildings and col-

(Front another Correspondent.)
MONTREAL, DEC. 28, 1861.
The past week has been an exceedingly busy one
with the military authorities; heavy trains, loaded
with cannon, shot, shell, and ammunition, have
been sent westward for the defence of the Welland
Canal ; the new batteries at Toronto have been
armed ; the plans for the defence of Montreal, and
other important points, have been prepared, bar-
racks provided for the troops already arriving and
expected to arrive, contracts made for provisions,
and a dczen other equally necessary arrange-
ments made. The following buildings have been
obtained in Montreal for barracks : Molson's
College, Quebec-suburbs; Roman Catholic College,
College-street; and the new stores erected on
the site of the Hotel Dieu; and negotiations are
open for the buildings of the Congregational
Nuns, St. Jean Baptiste-street, and the Gray
Nunnery, at the foot of M‘Gill-street. The former
residence of Sir John Johnston, opposite Molson's
College, has been hired for a military hospital, and
the row of buildings in the rear, on the river bank,
for officers' quarters. The Persia, with the 16th
Regiment, reached Bic on Thursday afternoon, the
26th, and landed 600 men before night, who were
comfortably housed in the dwellings of the habitans,
and forwarded the next day by detachments in
sleighs to the Riviera duLoup station of tha,Grand
Trunk Railway. The whole reigiment is expected
to arrive here to-morrow (Sunday) at noon, thus
defeating the intention to give them a public wel.
come. All over Canada the Volunteer movement
is steadily progressing, to the intense astonishment
and disgust of our American neighbours, who have
left off abusing England to abuse and threaten
Canada.
The loyalty of the Irish Catholic and French
Canadian population has been demonstrated by
meetings at which their political leaders have called
on their people to rally in defence of the flag under
which they have enjoyed perfect liberty and
equality, by the alacrity with which the summons
has been answered, and by the noble liberality
with which the Roman Catholic clergy have volun-
tarily placed at the disposal of the Government all
the secular buildings under their control. In addi-
tion to the buildings already enumerated, the Roman
Catholic Bishop of Montreal tendered his own
palace for barracks. In every parish stirring appeals
have been made by the Roman Catholic clergy to
their parishioners to volunteer for the defence of
the country ; and from one end of the land to the
other, among all races and sects, there has been
exhibited a spontaneous outburst of gratitude and
devotion to the Crown, and a determination to make
every sacrifice in defence of its honour, which is a
conclusive answer to those who have doubted the
expediency of the equal favour shown to Roman
Catholics in Canada, and the wisdom of conferring
a practical independence on the people. The British
people threatened by invasion could not have
sprung to arms with more unanimous alacrity than
the inhabitants of this province have done. The
Press has been as unanimous as the people, and the
most powerful nation might well pause and count
the chances against the success of an attempt to
conquer a people so united and determined, even if
they had not at their back the whole power of the
British empire.
It is almost a pity that this good spirit should
be frustrated by the resolution of the Government
of the United States to surrender the prisoners from
the Trent, which has just reached us by telegraph,
and caused quite as much disappointment at the
loss of an opportunity to show the ability and wil-
lingness of Canada to defend her soil from invasion
as pleasure at the escape for the present from the
horrors and sacrifices of war. I say at present, be-
cause few Canadians believe that the war between
the North and South can be protracted without
numerous new causes of offence arising, likely to
embroil neutral countries. And the danger of
collision is infinitely increased by the class of men
to whom the United States has been compelled to
intrust the command of its cruisers and blockading
vessels; the majority have been taken from the
merchant service, appointed through political in-
fluence, and, being only in the service for the time
being, they have no sense of responsibility, and no
higher aim than to win popular applause by some
act which will appeal to the passions and prejudices
of the rabble.
But could these dangers be escaped there yet re-
mains the perils which will threaten Canada, Cuba,
Mexico, and Central America, when peace, re-
stored either by the recognition or subjection of the
South, shall let loose upon an impoverished country
three-quarters of a million men now in the military
and naval service of the North—men who have
acquired the habits of the camp, and been spoilt for
those of quiet industry. Of the 50,000 volunteers
called out by the Mexican war, although the gold
discoveries in California opened a vent for their
restless ambition, it has been calculated that 10,000
were thrown upon society, and furnished the mate-
rial of the filibuster raids on Cuba, Sonora, and Cen-
tral America. Where is occupation to be found for
the million and a quarter of soldiers now arrayed
against each other in the Federal and Confederate

States ? What is to prevent their forming new fili-
bustering expeditions on a large scale, under their
favourite leaders, and inaugurating a grand system
of buccaneering, North and South, like the Saxcns,
the Danes, and the Normans of old ? In view of
this danger it will be necessary for our people to
relax no exertion to fit themselves for the struggle
which seems inevitable ; and I think they are suffi-
ciently alive to the necessity to do so.
Much angry feeling has been aroused here by the
abominable system of espionage practised by the
Federal Government in Canada upon Southern re-
fugees, Northerners supposed to sympathise with
the South, and on British subjects known to be
favourable to them. Every United States' consulate
is the centre of a system of secret police, which has
its ramifications throughout the district. Besides
the regular paid spies who infest the hotels, many
of which are kept by Americans, Northerners of
course, and dog the steps, listen to the conversation,
and watch the motions of suspected persons, several
commercial organisations are engaged in this dirty
work ; the chief of these are the railway express
companies, the mercantile intelligence offices, and
the telegraph companies; the principals and em-
ployes of the two first, and nearly all the managers
and operators of the last, being American citizens.
They are aided by nearly all the American popula-
tion, and by many persons of American parentage
claiming to be British subjects; and such a subtle
net is spread around the suspected that it is hardly
possible for them to escape arrest if they venture to
return to the United States. The latest victim of

this system was a Mrs. Mayer, of New York, who
was arrested on the American side shortly after
leaving Rouse's Point en route for home, for alleged
treasonable practices in Canada, and sent to Fort
Lafayette. Her crime consisted in coming to Canada
thathe Fsehdeerhaal journalsd i n
her
possessionjustified
to see a brother who had escaped from the South
via Havannah.
T
arrest by alleging
immense amount of treasonable correspondence.
The truth is she had not a single sealed letter, and
only three of any other kind, all to herself—two
from her husband at New York, and the third from
her brother before leaving Havannah for Canada ;
the whole curtaining the usual amount of dangerous
matter to be found in family correspondence.
It is singular how naturally the Northern Ame-
ricans take to despotism, and d a opt all its vile ma-
chinery. The destruction of the freedom of the
press not only raised no murmurs, but was accepted
a s a boon ; the suspension of tho Habeas Corpus,
in direct violation of the Constitution, by the mero I