The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-05-31

From the London Times, May III
The political experiment now making in Canada mgni
have been expected to provoke greater attention han
has yet received in England, account OF he rapld
growth the augmented wealth and the increasing popuia
ton of the province The attention OF most Englishinen
has been recently diverted from the American colonies
by the attractions of South Australia and the exigencies
OF New South Wales; so that in contemplating the pro-
spective gores of possessions al the Anup0des we
overlook the immediate Importance of great continental
empire within fortnights sail OF the British shores
Ii may not be generally known to the people of Eng
land that the united province of East and West Canada ex
tends in length from Amhersbeg TO Sabon Harbor, no
less than 500 miles, that has average breadth of 800
miles, aud contains six times great that OF
England and Wales Nor is its population insignificant
for although its capacities for supporting race
were either unknown or disregarded till within the last
quarter OF century, its numbers have, within that period,
increased most rapidly. According to a document which
eyinces much care and preparation, published by the
% Soaa Of ern aa ds
tanned $4,000 Inhabitants in the year 1881 5ll 900,
which had grown $50 900 in 1884, and that its present
population may be calculated at 100000 100000 W of
which not more than $4,000 are of French descen")
The records oil Western Canada present still more
striking increase In the year 1911 this part of the col
oay Chen the separate province OF Upper Canada) had
1900 inhabitants, who, by the year 1924, had been in
creased TO 5l 0O and in s42 to ls6 OoO and at the pres
ent moment can hardly be less than 100000 Upon
the year 1874 the aggregate population OF the whole
United Canadian province will be not less than five mil
lion souls But should Canada its Importance
the recipient only of Irish, but of British emgrants
we may reckon that what with the accession Of settlers
from every part of the empire, and the natural preponder
of births over deaths n the colony the inhabitants
OF Canada will before the expiration Of another quarter
OF century, possess nearer six than five lions
AS it is impossible as yet to estimate the influence
commanding the navigation Of three such great lakes
Erie Ontario and Huron, may hereafter exercise the
whole North American continent. so it is above all things
essential that its inhabitants should be inspired with love
and attachment to the interests and institutions OF Great
Britain We know what is the destiny reserved for
us and them We may be doomed 10 early separation
IN 10 -
our duty and their prosperity identified with the
cred observance Of English laws and constitutional rights
other course can we insure their present attachment
or their future happiness BY this means soften the
yoke OF a nominal submission, and anticipate the
summation OF ostensble independence; for, enjoying
al4the realities OF self-governmen, they have the less
presentte shall leauto eoonists The nobles ega
that OF onr union or that Of our seParaonour best and
safest policy will be found to be that of allowing free
and responsible government In the one it prevents
thousand complaints OF metropolitan tyranny and oppres
slon In the other leaves behind powerful sentiment
OF blended gratitude and respect. That colony which
has been governed after the type and pattern Of the
arms against hers will it, when emancipated from
lmpercePdb!e thraldom wantony assail the parent and
sentiments these in colony the selfgovernment of
which speak should be real, genuine and undoubed
should possess vital energy and acton and should
&c free from all semblance or mputation of pretence
Such self government England desires for herself
she should accord 10 her colonies; and such gov
is that which she is now according 10 Canada
Only few weeks probably will eapae before Lord
Elgin gives his sanction TO bill which has been
tested with much fervor in his province, and under
considerable warmth in England AS it is, we cannot
help deeming it most fortunate occurrence that
matter which has caused such excitement iii the Par
Lament OF Canada should not have been brought for
ward too prominently in the Parliament of England.
canada has ere this been made the battle field of Eng
fish factions, and the success of the experiment was
n uStif Its I'M cnuiI
have been injurious to the tranquility and free
agency of the province than the agitation of question
like the rebellion losses bill by English politicians at
home. 1t would have given metropolitan and mpe-
rial character to subject entirely local in its bearings;
1t would have stimulated one provincial party by an
external alliance and aflronted another by an ex-
terna interference Instead OF leaving the Canadians
to administer their affairs and disburse their own
money according to their wishes, it would have
controlled their actions and assessed their taxes by the
arbitrary caprces OF an alien majority; it would have
kept alive bad passions and old anlipathes by exnsc
encouragement and faclous lnermeidling. AS it is
Great Britain has, in spirit of unreseved confidence,
conceded TO the people of Canada as represented in
Their united Parliament the disposal of their
and the adjudication of their own controversies
Whatever may be the present and immediate result of
such confidence its future consequences are OF ines
mable value The recognition OF great public prin
cpie mas been evidenced by seeming sacrifice the
part OF the crown. The people of Canada have learned
that they are governed BY their own representatives
IN Downing see Every Cpnnan Of eo
renewed pride and reliance in the worth and strength of
the institutions under which he lives He feels that he has
real and tangible interest in their safety and preserva-
ton Whatever exnltaion may be felt by the French
population after party triumph will be sobcred
ton OF principle which secures the administration of
the province not to sect, naton clique but to
those who possess the aggregate confidence of the whole
Province The French know that the fortune of this
year may not be theirs next year, the British know that
lraiaentary maorties Huctualng maories that
they depend upon conflicting interests antagonist talents
and tactics thousand accidents of passion, Indifference
adroltness, msmanagemen FUSION disruption; that |
no party in any representative chamber remained
TACT or unooken for dozen years. and that it is the most
absurd thing in the world 10 apprchend that where two
should exercise perpetual domination over the other Nor
need they look far Tor illustration of this They have
n at hand. The very majority which carried the rebel |
hon losses BILL melted away before could carry the bill
for electoral reform The French party which held to-
gether for project lost its cohesion when it attempted
similar But if either class race is destined to
be subordinate to the other need only look at the sta
tlstcs OF population to that that be the men of
British race.
We do not fear therefore, the British considerations
OF which we hear North America is rife. We be-
De, at an end Il they OF sense they will see
the great absurdity OF whining about French ascend
ency il they loyal men, they will see the
folly and wlckedness OF mounting about annexation
Congresses and considerations therefore, for the pur
poses OF rebellion, we regard childish threats Whe
.her Tor other purposes connected with the trade and
intercourse OF Canada New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia, and not wholly unconnected with their future
political destiny, when they shall have advanced further
IN greatness and wealth, such considerations may not be
useful we do not pretend to decide but of this we are
ia m