The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-01-24 00:00:00

EMIGRATION TO CANADA.

THERE has, perhaps, been no event in the history of
the human race of more importance, not only in its
immediate but its probable ultimate effects, than the
enormous amount of emigration which has taken place
within the last few years. The first impetus was given
by the potato disease in Ireland, which was the means of
sending forth the Celtic race by hundreds of thousands to
people the backwoods of America, and make room for the
Anglo-Saxon race to spread in the sister island. The dis-
covery of gold in California gave a new direction to the
stream of emigration, and this, followed by a similar
discovery in our Australian colonies, sent thousands more
to the antipodes to found a new empire of that indomitable
race, which seems destined to spread civilisation and
Christianity over the globe. In these vast movements of
the human family, the primary causes of the direction
which they take appear pretty palpable. The poorer
inhabitants of Ireland are attracted to the United States
by the demand for labour, and the cheapness of the
passage thither, and the same reasons have operated with
the vast majority of our poorer population both from
England and Scotland. Those, however, whose means
are greater, have been attracted to Australia, by a thirst
for gold, a desire which animates the majority of those
who stay as well as those who leave. Such has been
mainly the direction of emigration as it has hitherto pro-
ceeded, but it would be as well to consider, even at this
time, if the choice has been rightly made, and whether
those who still contemplate leaving the land of their birth,
in order to make the barren wilderness to blossom as the
rose might not choose more wisely. It is true that Australia
offers inducements not easily foregone, but there is the
obstacle, to many insuperable, of a long sea voyage ; a
difficulty, however, which has been in a great measure
overcome by the lines of the magnificent ships which now
traverse the ocean between Liverpool and Melbourne with
almost postal regularity. Emigration to the United States
has not this objection, for the voyage is quickly and
cheaply performed, but it has that, which should be a stil
stronger one to an Englishman, of depriving him of thel
protection of the British Government, and the true
freedom of living under British laws.
We have not, however, far to go, in order to select a
Pace of settlement to which neither objection will apply.
The vast possessions of Great Britain in North America
offer a field for emigration, to which those who are vally
desirous to become proprietors of the soil, and to found a
family, should turn their attention. In Canada they will
find ample space and verge enough, with every quality in
soil, climate, and means of improvement, which an earnest
and industrious settler can reasonably desire. Canada is
the nearest of all our colonies. A comparatively short and
cheap voyage places it within the reach of the largest
number of individuals, with limited means, desirous of
improving their condition and prospects by emigration.
The climate is healthy, the soil fertile, and throughout its
entire extent, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the head
of Lake Superior, it is watered by lakes, rivers, and
streams, affording unsurpassed means of internal commu-
nication. Land is to be had at such prices and easy modes
of payment, that no able-bodied and industrious man may
be long without being the possessor of his own farm.
Taxes are light, and furniture, clothing, and other neces-
saries are to be had in abundance and variety, while the
roads are good, and every facility afforded for carrying on
trade. Such is the description given of it by Mr. J. B.
BROWN, whose long residence in the colony rendered him
a competent authority, and whose work on the subject,
published by Messrs. BLACK, of Edinburgh, is well de-
serving of attention. The entire surface of the territory
of Canada has been estimated to consist of 196,000,000
acres, or between two and three times the size of Great
Britain and Ireland, and yet the population of this vast '
space was, in 1848, little more than a million and a half,
.so that there is ample room for any number.

Perhaps the most important step which has been taken
towards extending the communication between this country
and Canada was the establishment of the Canadian Steam
Navigation Company. It will be remembered that the
application of this company to the Board of Trade for a
charter of incorporation, gave rise to an animated contest
on the subject of limited liability, but the difficulty was
overcome by an act which was obtained from the provin-
cial legislature. This company entered into a contract
for the conveyance of the mails, and commenced opera-
tions in the spring of last year, by despatching the
Genova steamer from Liverpool to Montreal. So impor-
tant was the event deemed in the colony, that it was
celebrated by a public dinner, given by the Mayor, magis-
trates, and citizens of Montreal, on the 13th of May.
The Lady Eglinton was next placed on the station, and
performed the voyage in the unprecedented short space of
eleven days ; the Sarah Sands was then added to the
line, and, last week, that fine iron steam-ship the Charity,
which had been found too large for the African trade, was
despatched on the voyage to Portland, which forms the
station during the winter months, when the river St.
Lawrence is not navigable. The Company's new steam-
ship Ottawa has her machinery nearly all on board, and
will be on the station within a month ; and the Cleopatra is
also destined forthe same line, on her return from Australia,
which is daily expected. These steam-ships, which are
now despatched from this port twice every month, are
only employed until the completion of larger and more
powerful vessels which are being built for this line; so
that, in a short time, we may expect to see Liverpool
placed in as close proximity, or nearly so, with Canada as
she now is with Boston and New York, the trade with
which has enormously increased since the establishment
of the Cunard and, subsequently, of the Collins' line of
steam-ships. In thus opening up foreign markets, and
extending commercial operations, Liverpool has taken an
important lead, having, within the list few months,
originated lines of regular steam communication with the
Brazils, with Africa, with Canada, and other places. By
such means the trade of the port is multiplied, and,
therefore, every attempt of the kind deserves the support
and encouragement of all who feel interested in the wel-
fare and prosperity of Liverpool.

AMERICA.