The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-12
Canadian AIairs-AnncxatIon and Con.
Ga1ler

Halifax. The wires beyond Calais were OUT OF
order last evening.
Canadian ATairs-AnncxatIon and Com
fetieracy.
Affairs in Canada are certainly becoming
serious and threatening. The rupture between the
ultra loyalists, or British party, and the mother
country, is complete. The last card has been
played, and the very loyal Britons, when in power,
and the very unloya when ont of power, are about,
evidently, TO do cmethng-either to declare for
annexation, for a confederacy of all the British
North American possessions.
There is a great mistake committed by the peo-
pie of the United States, when they say that the
present condition of Canada and the present feel
ings of the British party there, have been produced
by the moral influence of American institutions,
and by the contrast which the American republic
presents to Canada. The masses of the loyal party
are profoundly ignorant of the United States, as
well as of our institutions. The whole matter lies
IN a nutshell. The British party have, until lately,
always controlled the politics Of the two provinces,
and always enjoyed the Offices and emoluments, to
the exclusion of the French. BY lucky turn, the
French got the ascendancy, and that was gall and
NORWOOD TO the Britons The idea OF their being
ruled by the French was abhorrent to them, and
they tried every expedient TO again get into power
The rebellion indemnity bill was ministerial mea-
sure if the British party could prevail on the
Governor General TO veto 1t, that would be a VIC
tory over the French They tired every means to
accomplish it, but failed. After the bill was allowed,
they despatched petitions to England for SINH
lar purpose. They were disregarded, and their spe
cial messengers sent about their business. Mean
while, threats of annexation TO the United States
were uttered publicly, and the fourth OF July
the American flag was hoisted at several conspl-
cuous places in Canada.
There always has been party in Canada IN ia
vor of incorporating it with the United States. 1t
was composed principally of commercial men; but
none Of the British, loyast, party were connected
with it. The British party would remain loyal to
the end Of time, if they could always be in power,
and could always control the French; but finding
that they do so, they turn round and assert
their desire to be clear of British rule, and TO join
the United States. The reason of this is obvious.
Upper Canada has always been ruled by the So
called "ismily compact" composed of such men as
hcNab, Col Prince, Mr.. Ridout, and others. II
Upper Canada were a State of this Union these
men would stll control il; and the Offices from the
govemorshp, down 10 the meanest tide-waiiership,
would be at their disposal. They would be still in
the ascendant; and what is almsst as important,
would be relieved Of French domination; for be-
tween the two races, there is violent hostility
ever existed between two people since the creation
Of the world. They cannot agree together, and
never will; and now that the British government
has determined not to sustain the British party, a
separation between them and the French must
take place at an early day. Time only can tell in
what form this separation will be made. The
leaders Of the British party talk loudly OF accom-
plishipg il by annexation to the United States,
while others are disposed to a confederacy of all
the British North American possessions. The
latter plan would enable the "famly compact to
rule Upper Canada Of old, and relieve them
efIcctualy Of French rule annexation 10 the
United States would. This, however, will not suit
the leaders; for their vanity has been wounded,
and their professions of utra-loyalty dsre garded.
II will be seen, therefore, that the influence OF
our institutions has not had any effect in bringing
about the state in which Canada now is. Those
who now cry so lastly for annexation, would be
the first TO put down any attempt at revolution, If
they were IN power and the first to rush to arms
IN case of any difficulty between the United States
and Great Britain and notwithstanding all their
threats, it is net certain, even yet, whether they
will declare for that method of getting rid Of
French domination and possession Of power, or
for oonfederacy of all British America. Every
thing will depend on the action of the British
League, which represents the discoatenls in both
Upper and Lower Canada. But, before any action
is decided upon, we would not be surprised to see
a dreadful conflict between the British and the
French party. We have the best reason for belev-
ing that the Orangemen Of Canada, who number
upwards Ct forty thousand, are aiming and pre-
pairing themselyesfor such contingency; and tina,
contingency may occur at any moment IL rxly
take place IN Montreal, # the newly-appointcd po.
hoe-or Elgn guards, as they are caed-should
make their appearance in that city; for the British
party determined ~n~,h,lN,o ,hsr, 80 soon a.
they do so. This would be the signal for the fight;
and no sooner would 1t be commenced than armed
thousands Of the Orangemen in the upper province
would rush TO the succor of their friends in the
lower. Or it may break out at the next general
election, in case the League do not soon meet and
adopt some plan that will be satisfactory to the
masses Of the British party.
But the League will meet in a few days, and we
shall soon know what course Canadian politics will
sakc--whether annexation to the United States, or
separate North American confederacy
Tux LIVERPOOL MAIL SrEAuEns-we learn
that the Pacific and Atlantic, the two splendid
mail steamers of Mr.. Collins line, will be ready
for sea in December next, and the Arctic and An.
ssrctic next spring. Next year, therefore, at this
time, the whole line will be in full operation and
we shall then see the capacity OF America IN the
construction of ocean steamships. An opinion at
this early day is unnecessary; but we advise
Judges in naval architecture to look at the Pacific
and Atlantic. and admire their models.
s.urNa or T,tr grEsrsufp IItppp.r. Tn.