The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-08-26
MONTREAL, (CANApA0 August 20

In the remarks which purpose making will en-.
deavor to treat dispassionately as possible up
the different subjects, leaving it rather to the
unprejudiced mind of the American reader TO draw
his own inference and am the more induced
to this course IN consequence of the false and,
therefore, foolish statements of certain sefstyled
"Irish PATRIOTS" who have, of late, undertaken to
enlighten the people of New York as to the cond-
ton OF Canada at present, and representing il as
being ripe for revolt, and anxious to sever the con-
necion with Great Britain. I.may say, en- passant
that am warm admirer OF the institutions of the
United States, applied to those States, and there
fore am not prejudiced In favor Of monarchy.
In the first place, are told that the people Of
Lower Canada ,are especially discontinued with Bri-
sh rule, and that they would hall with Joy any de-
monstratlon from the United States which proms-
ed them dellverance from their tyrants take it
for granted that this must refer wholly the French
Canadian population. as that OF English descent is
proverblaly loyal The great mass OF French Ca
nadians are the most illIterate, ignorant bigotted
set on the face OF earth. They do not
think for themselves, leaving all that their priests
and some few leaders. Let therefore examine the
condition OF these priests and leaders, and we shall
be able TO Judge Of the truth of the assertion that
Lower Canada wishes to separate from Great Bri-
tain. The motto OF the French Canadian is, 50 our
religion, our language our laws and our institute
tlons,' and IN these few words is contained the
whole secret of his dislike to all who speak
the English language. lie does not pant
it the exclusion of all languages but that OF
France; he desires no laws but those of the ancient
regime; he will have religion tolerated but that
OF his toreiathers., Under the treaty by which
Canada was ceded to Britain, all these things
were secured TO the Canadian; the laws which
govern Canada West prevail not in Canada East
the French language Is spoken In the courts, in
Parliament, IN the acts; nothing is legal for Cana
da East which is not published in French as well
as EDgllsh the Catholic religion is supported by
the British government; the government officers
observe, as holydays, the festivals OF the Catholic
church; end more than all this, the French Cana
dian leaders are now the leaders of the govern
ment. What, then, have they to gain by union
with the United States! Would it spread their
language Would their religion be better pro-
tected 4? Would the old French laws be respected
IN higher degree Let Louisiana answer. Itl
then clear, beyond doubt, that if the priests and
leaders of Lower Canada are disconnected with |
British rule, they will scarcely seek to better them
selves by union with the United States, where
their individuality would at once be swamped
They desire French acknowledgement they
gam It by Joining your Union! Add to this the
fact that they are a quiet, timid people, and you
at once comprehend their position
Let us now turn to Canada West. Here you
have people composed, for the most part of the
descendants OF the tories who left the United
States during the revolutionary war; of half-pay
officers and discharged soldiers, and of the Eng
sh, Irish, and Scotch, who have emigrated here |
because of their preference tor this form of govern
ment. Some years ago, previous to 1910, Canada
obgarchy, who poisoned the ear of the governor
and ruled in opposition to the wishes of the
majority of the people. This led to rebellion IN
1887, and will not pretend to deny but what it
might have been successful but for circumstances
Many OF the most loyal men Canada now con-
talns were at that time soured against British
rule, because OF the oppression of the oligarchy,
and they would gladly have resorted to any means
by which to rid themselves of the vampires who
were sucking the If hearts blood. Now, however,
every thing IS changed. and, perhaps, in order to
understand the nature OF this change, It is neces-
sary to enter somewhat into detail. The British
constitution is composed OF written and unwritten
laws. The unwritten law consists of usage, and
1t IS this feature which renders 1t difficult tor
a foreigner properly to understand it. Well, by
this usage, the Queen OF England is compelled to
foim her ministry from the majority of the people
as represented in Parliament; and that ministry Is
responsible Tor every act OF administrations and
can only remain In office so long they can COM
maDd majority OF supporters In Parliament
This usage has been extended to Canada: and it
has also been expressly avowed land this avowal
also forms portion of the law OF usuage) that the
governor will not interfere, in any way, with the
Canadian Parliament, IN the passage of any laws,
which do not affect the parent government. The
qualification of voter is ve.y, small, r., 81, ,r.,,,r
| elect Parliament similar to the House of
representatives, and the governor selects his
heads OF department from the party which pos
sesses the majority in that Parliament. These
heads OF departments must then 90 back to their
constituents and be reelected. Upon every mea-
sure The governor must consult them, and if they
dlsappr1pye It, ne must either give way or they re-
sign. linen, II the governor cannot succeed in
getting ministry who can command the support
of Parliament, ge is obliged to succumb In adj
dtIon to this, the Canadians are scarcely taxed at
all. England pays all the military expenses and
all imperial restrictions have been removed The !
reform, or liberal, party 10 also in power.
What, then, have the Canadlansto be discomfort
ed about! How could they better their condition
by union with the United States! Would they
have more hberty-would they be more lightly
taxed-would they enjoy greater religious freedom
than they do now, Tor every religious denomlna-
ton is on an equality! There are no advantages
which we can see-none, at all events, which
would In any way. repay for the bloodshed and
loss of property which would inevitably follow an
instruction; for England will never permit Cana
da to be torn from her. Depend upon it, when
Canada wishes to cut herself asunder from her
parent, their parting will be peaceable-but at pre-
sent, no such desire exists and any attempt
to invade her would be crushed by the people
by such men as Mr. O'Connor, or even Mr.. Moo
ney, "the historian.
Affairs In Cnnada-D1Ore of the Agitation.
From the Montreal Pilot, August %
We should not have deemed IN necessary to no.
tice The Hcrctd'S disclaimer that he has any SYM
pathy with the red republicans of New York and
Montreal, were 1t not that he appears to have
understood our former remarks. He says, after
defending his late article, >" If such conduct lays
open TO the charge of disafiection." We beg TO
disclaim having made any such charge against our
contemporary on the contrary, we said, =" We
well convinced that the Herald has no desire to
give any encouragement to the foreigners who
have threatened this country with INVASION" We
doubted, for many reasons, the expediency of agi-
tation on the subject of the navigation laws We
have full confidence in the intentions of Her Ma
Jesys Imperial Government; and as specific
pledges have been given by the Prime Minister,
and as we know that the noble earl at the head
of the Colonial Department takes deep interest !
in the success of the measure, we cannot doubt |
that at very early period we shall obtain all that
Exceency the Governor General will continue to
lend his powerful influence to obtain reform
of such deep importance TO Canada, whose in
and has so much at heart. The Provincial Adj
mn,straton and the Legislature will all concur