The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-04-18
Aspect OF Affairs ON the American CONT
neut


on the recent revolutionary movements in France
aud other parts of Europe, we have seen no allu-
sion TO the probable ultimate influence which
they will exercise on the American continent,
although little consideration will show that it
is highly probable that such influence will be
very great. Canada, for number of years past,
has evinced disposition to sever her leading
strings and take station among the nations Of
the earth and in the ordinary course of human
occurrences, such result would be achieved be-
fore many years would have elapsed, even if no
revolutions had broken out in Europe. Now, how
ever, when the whole of the old world is in blaze
when Great Britain itself stands on the edge
of a volcano, which may In q moment burst and
envelope her whole fabric of government--when
the greatest care and caution are necessary to
preserve her own safety and integrity at home,
Canada, ii is not improbable, will take advantage
of the crisis, and seek separate and distinct ma
tlonaity.
The times never have been more propitious for
attempting such change; and from the course
OF matters there for several years, it would not
cause much surprise If within year or two from
the present time, the political tie between that
country and England were severed. The radicals,
or republican party, have powerful numerical
strength, and have returned to the home parlla-
ment majority of members of that creed. A
great majority ofthe people in the lower province,
especially the French, have always been hostile
10 the mother country, and in Upper Canada
strong party of republicans exist among the
lrish settlers. The only persons there who
have been or are friendly to the existing order
of things, or disposed to favor continuance
OF their colonial dependence, are the nume-
rous officials and army and navy officers who
have received grants of land from the go.
vernment, and their relatives and friends
and the Scotch settlers These are loyal,
and will always remain so; but in point of
numbers, their influence is far below that of
the republicans, or radicals, who are now in
the ascendancy, and who, on recent occasions.
have openly threatened to seek alliance with
their republican neighbors of the United States.
In making an effort to seek her independence,
Canada would have the sympathy and good will
Of the people of this country; but nothing more.
If, after accomplishing it, her people desired to
be incorporated with the United States, we do
not think their desire would be gratifed Our
territory has increased fast enough for our pros
perty, and 1t would please our people more to
see her a separate and independent republic,
than to have her annexed to the United States
Yet such proposition would be received with
favor by portion of our people-by the people
of the New England States, and by the aboli-
tionists of the country at large They would
cling to it means of overcoming the influence
of the South in our national councils; while
the South would oppose it on precisely the same
ground We think it may be said that while
Canada would have the well wishes and sympa-
thy of our people for the success Of an attempt
10 be independent, they would not desire
her to be annexed to the United Statesmen at
least, until great many years shall have elapsed
or until her annexation would be necessary to
preserve proper equilibrium between the North
aud the South, in the event OF further Next
can territory being added TO our present limits.
We shall watch the course OF events in Canada
with great interest, for the future in the expeca-
tlon that the revolutions in Europe will exercise
their natural influence there, and ignite the in.
fammable portion of her population, who, we
have already shown, constitute the larger por-
ton.
Thus much for Canada; and from there the
mind naturally turns to the British West India
Islands, and also to Cuba. 4
In the former of these, great dissatisfaction
towards the mother country prevails, in conse-
quence OF the destruction OF all kinds OF bust
ness, by the measures adopted towards those
colonies by the British Parliament. They are.
however, not as yet revolutionarily inclined;
but Cuba is and has been for some time
past; and cannot be expected to remain
much longer subject to the embecie government
Of Spain, which draws an immense revenue
from II, and draws it of its very life-blood
her h.
importance to the United States ,han one in Ca
NADIA; for Cuba, from her geographical position,
could no. stand alone, and would gladly seek an
opportunity OF being covered with the flag OF
this republic. 1t would be her interest, as much
as II would be ours, TO be incorporated into this
Union. From her exposed situation, she would
be liable at any time TO be made conquest of
by any OF the great European powers contin.
gency which the United States, for its own safe
fy, could not tolerate. AS part of the United
States, she would be strengthened by the union.
and we would secure the command of the Gulf
OF Mexico, which would be of the utmost impor.
lance TO us. Indeed, the Importance of securin,
that island is becoming greater and greater every
day, "a the improvements in ocean steam nayi-
CATION progress.
According to these views, therefore, it may be
considered as not beyond the bounds of probabi.
lity, that the revolutionary movements in Eu-
rope VIII exercise an important influence on the
American continent, and that iuture,a new era.
VIII ere long dawn upon Canada, Cuba, and, per-
hsPs, Inc British West India islands, which will
ehtansic US, more or less, with the old world -
IL behooves US to be prepared for any emergency
OF contingency mat might grow out of such a
state oi things; and to this end We .ho,la -
.o~eiiu' 1team marine, Capable Of preventing
any a2LroselOn on our rights or apv drsir. - - IS
yoFe ~ 10 d position different from dignI6eJ
spectator oi the might, scr,.stbst
-ft now Tenspirlng, and which may occur win.
IN few years. -'"
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