The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-11
Canadian Affairs.

SORTS OF conlectures were Immediately afioat as TO
the cause of this unwonted demonstration, some
supposing that the leagners had amended their
scheme of peaceful annexation TO the United
States and that we were to be dragged N Ell arms
INTO these 'embraces OF the neghborng republic"
OF which we have heard so much from tory edit
tors and tory orators, OF late. The cause of the
hubhub was speedily explained; the Hon. George
Moiiatt, patron OF the book burne RS arsontes and
annexationists Of Montreal. had arrived per stea-
mcr Princess Royal, and the dog and duck An
clio Saxons were gathering in their might to well
come the leader OF their Montreal allies. The en-
thuslastic gentlemen who manned the cannon, ex-
erted themselves SO effectively that by the time
Mr. Motiatt (who was accompanied by the Hon
VIM. B. Robinsou) landed there was really quite
an Imposing array OF dog and duck patriots
sembled AT the foot OF longe street To receive
him. There could not have been less than 100
present, TO say nething of spectators who took no
part In the demonstration. Some of the more
forward Of them, displaying lauddble eager
ness 10 convert themselves into beasts OF burden,
embarrassed the steed from the cab in which
the vsiters were seated, and having subst,tu-
ted themselves IN his place, the Hon George Moi
fatt and his aid de camp were hauled at a ropes
end along the wharf and up TO the store of Mofitt
x Co, on longe street, here the motley process
sion halted, and Mr. Motlatt proceeded TO address
his admirers from the steps OF the house. He told
Them that he had not expected this great demon
stration; he was grateful for the high honor they
had raid hun. II had been stated that he lad left
the British League: but IL was not true-(rre at
looked TO the League the means by which they
Were TO accomplish the objects they had in view.
(Quey-What are theyD The only drawbacks
10 their success were those excuses when they
were occasionally driven by their dislike to the
measures Of their rulers with moderation, peace
and trmness they must succeed. (Great cheer
ing, during which the speaker Withdrew
The Hon. w. 3 Robinson, who, by. the way,
seems rather partial 10 mob oratoy, having figured
somewhat consplcuously in that line during the
riots IN Montreal, then said few words, after
which the mob dispersed; aud thus ended this I'M
posing demonstration, and rather useless expendl-
ture of powder and breath.
Several of the members of our city council were
actively employed IN the credtable work OF aiding
10 propel the chariot Of the Leagues President
One eloquent gentleman, barrlster and alderman
and Nj. PIP. for one of the rulings, par
tIculaiy prominent, pushing the vehicle behind;
another alderman (who would commit murder If
il was not for the law ran in front of the mob,
waving his hat and shouting; and an individual by
the name Of Davis, Zone of the two-legged beasts
Of bnrden) a tavern keeper, who represents one of
the wards OF this city, and Is, we believe, magls.
trate, threatened to knock down gentleman who
Kissed or otherwise expressed his dIsapprobatIon.
Very credllable conduct, truly, Tor gentlemen,
bairisters and councllmeni
IFrom the Montreal Herald JULY
The indemnify ball has now gone through all
the stages which can render IT accomplished
fact In the colony II has passed the two branches
OF the Legislature, and has been assented 70 ~
the Governor General. In England, ner Majesty,
ministers have gwen TO II thai ultimate sa1ei6n
which their pitvious Conduct had led all men to
expect. Their cond uct has been approved in the
Commons, IN the only constitutional way by which
that house can express lts oplnion the perform
ance Of duty which the constitution contides TO
the Crown. In the Lords, the Peers have given
their support, though by very small majority, to
the principles ayowed by the Commons. The bill
is really and truly law and, however distasteful,
must be respected as such by every good citizen
That is the condition upon which all governments
monarchlcal or constitutional, can alone be Car.
RED cn-the principle which will never grow out
OF date, whether we remain u nominal dependency
practically independent State, or whether eur
destiny shall lead US TO another political connec'
lcD. That must be the law IN all communities
TILL " chaos be come again, till anarchy reIgns,
instead of civil order. But IL is no less the rule
Of PRACTICAL wisdom than OF civil government, TO
forget the past and irrevocabe, or TO remember II
only az a warning. and 10 look forward TO the du-
ties which the revolution Of time IL constantly re-
newing for every intelligent being. Enoagh mis-
chief has been done, God knows enough argu-
meBt, and obIuration, and contention have taken
place during the period which has elapsed since
the introduction Of the bill TO our publication
this day, which announces its last stage. jan,
sat supogue Let us think of what we have TO
do, rather than what has been done, whether with
our consent, or against II. David ceased TO lament
when he knew that this child was dead. Under
whatever figure may describe the opposition to
the indemnity bill, II Is dead sure enough, and the
sooner II is buried the better Nor will Il be amiss
If, with the MISUNDERSTANDING the ancient Scan
dinavian mcthod-we inter his warhke arms and
Announcements, which have been 50 well bate rod
in the contest, that we doubt their capacity to be
/ OF much service on future occasions. We would
desire in palmer language, that the asperities and
ilwlll, the hard Ioking, and hard language which
were inseparuble from the late struggle, should
have their end with IT. In whatever state there Is
discussion, there will also be divisions nor ~ II
possible that IN State like ours, composed Of such
discordant etmenis Initiated Jy such bitter recol-
lectons, often animate ly such contrary interests
and motives, our divisions should fail to be some
times disastrous, and II perseyered In, ruinous.
When CO mmun1tes become indifferent to politics,
they soon cease TO possess political power; but
there is point beyond which contention cannot
be pushed without being equally destructive to
liberty. and far more destructive TO all the other
Interests that men hold dear. This point Is surely
reached when men tire even of prolonged com
plant The English law ekOnerates every man
from the guilt Of treason who obeys an usurper,
after he has attained the power OF DE tdcfn king,
for our social duties attach themselves TO the pre-
seni, not 10 the past, and society ctn bear any
thing rather than confusion and violence.
Among our most pressing political duties, u has
now become evident that the one ut chief impOr-
lance j. the consideration OF the question OF annex
alton, and we anxious that cur countrymsn OF
all classes. should approach u IN sprit as little IA
possible biessed by former disFutcs-as much as
possible, prepared TO discuss II rs an independent
subject There are so many obvious Advantages,
hand, and expected on. the other, that thinking
nc n may well remain IN doubt az tn the part which
itbccomes them to pursue. Bot what - mosi e.
cessaIy il that we should get rad OF all improper
motives that will not only blind VS. in cndcavorIng
20 see our path, but viii, IL encouraged, lnialllby
prevent US from arriving at any decision that will
be satisfactory or permanent la balancing the pros
and cons Of the qsesiiOn, we must LOOK simply TO
the effects which annexation wouliprodIcc. For
our own pait we should repudaic the idea mat the
recent course Of the British government furnished
good cause for desire Our parts 10 become state
OF the Union All that desire 20 say on IN 4 sub
iect is, that the tie Of honor, which forced Brion'
10 consider themselves as the advanced guard OF
Great Britain in Canada, has been dissolved by
the action of the British government; aud that as
members Of an independent nation, they are now
at liberty to act tor themselves. But we neither
hate Great Britain nor monarchy, nor have we any
diicffann admiration for the Amcucans, or Tor a
republic; since we have known many intelligent
men, who have been equally good citizens, and
equally well satisfied under her NJ Jesty's govern
ment, or under that of the President. We love
Great Britain, because we are British by birth OF
descent; and we shall continue to love her, though
n new form Of political existence may oblge on
"A 81. al.