The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-04-18
Highly Important from Canada
Our Canadian Correspondence.

MONTREAL, 18th April, lSl9.
The Progyess of Revo'utiow-Repot Of the League
Groscth of Desire for A's~srat,on, &c.
"'There is tide in the affairs of men, which, if
taken at the flow, may lead on to fortune, with
nations, men, A prospect of attaining to height
of greatness and prosperity, such as the people of
Canada heretofore never SO much as dreamed of,
10 now suddenly and Unexpectedly opened to them.
Years might have rolled on their course, without
such an opportunity offering itself, but for the
suicidal act of the Ministry of the day, in bringing
in bill to reward their trusty and devoted follow
ers, the rebels of 1887 and 49, at the expense of
the loyalists.
The separation of these colonies from the mother
country has always been looked forward to as GER
tain, by the English and Canadian politicians, al
though, as they supposed, yet distant. They have
since suddenly found It to be nearer at hand than
have always stated that the Canadas had only to
ask for this separation, and it would be immediate
ly granted England will soon have an opportunity
Of displaying her long boosted magnanimity.. The
forming of the "Britsh American League" In this
city, and calling of National Convention" Is the
first step towards the great drama, ere long to be
enacted on the Canadian stage. mentioned in
my last letter that at the late meeting held orrs
League" 1t had unanimously been determined to
open subscription books i'll the various places of
public resor for the purpose of receiving the names
Of those desiring to become members of it, A
week has yet scarcely elapsed since they were
opened, and have already calculated upwards of
800 names, good and true; amongst which are to
be found men of standing, wealth, and influence in
the community.
The object Of the association is supposed by the
public to be for the protection of British rights and
interests. So it is: But by few it is well known
to be the Organization OF the British portion of
nected with it has as yet been publicly made
known, save to those persons likely to become
members oft. A second meeting is to be held on
their subscription, which is merely nominal one
of fifty cents, will be notified to attend. Every
member, upon signing Is provided with ticket,
and registers his name and place ofresidence. AT
the next meeting the constitution OF the society
will be made known to its members.
1t is also determined to propose, that, for the pur
pose of spreading the influence and principles of
the league" active and intelligent men of the
counties throughout the province, to assist In
forming associate branches Sufficient funds have
already been raised for the purpose; 1 may as well
mention that there are several wealthy; Influential
babe acts of the "convention," when called is
much warmly discussed. Up to within few days
the Orangemen held aloof, from reports that it
Is solely tor PURPOSES thaf was form r
easily to be what the result Of the meeting of
the convention will end in. Any idea that may be
suggested for the resuscitating OF our trade will
to Se England n~ us deeply snd SEARCH
ingly investigated will result in the fact, that
there is nothing she can give will raise us again
to prosperity on par with the United States
be The only one, that will do it-annexation.
predict, and my views of the matter are those
of the great body Of merchants and infuen;
tial men here, that the convention" will
end in requesting separation from Great Britain,
and annexation to the United States. i will re-
main to be seen whether England will grant it
peaceably. think she will, for she is well aware
received fros Brockville, Of the spontaneous for
nation of league similar to the one lately sstab-
lished in Montreal.
have procured a copy of the report of the meet
ing, and here insert it -
HIGHLY IMPORTANT MEETING-THE FIRST STEP
That the British party In Canada have been lost by
their senseess divisions and sheer want Of
has long been an apothegm. The recent conduct Of
the present government has, however, been out
rageously Offensive that the most letharge have been
spurrcd up to acton and to be the feeling
Of all that, at whatever risk or consequence an end
must be put, and that immediately to the existing
state Of things The measures introduced by ministers
the sentiments expressed by them in their places
have reused the British lion, and men who three
months ago, could not be moved, openly declare,
that the times than portentous and that the
present state Of things cannot be longer endured.
This feeling, now so prevalent, led to- meeting OF the
at Mr. Beaehs Inn. The meeting presided over ~
George Crawford ESQ., and Mr. Bacon, one OF the town
councillors for the West Ward, acted IS secretary
The meeting very numerously attended that 1t
was not without difficulty that accommodation could
be procured in Mr.. Beachs large room The vast
assembly present very ably addressed by several
gentlemen and it was not till a late hour that ad-
journment announced In fact, the hearts Of the
en- 70 Se n
fast approaching The chief speakers at the meet
ing Paul Gasford, George Crawford d. B. Fsrd
X f. Steele, Ormond Jones' William Parkin, Sidney
Jones, George Sanderson, and Ogle X. Gowan, Esqrs
All the speakers seemed to trace up the present un-
happy state of the country, to French domination
The questions Of general confederation Of the North
American Colonies-of dissolution OF the Legislative
Union-of anne1ation-a and Of protecton-were all dis
cussed and with zeal and ability that would have
done credit to any assembly Of freemen After very
heightened discussion, it unanimously resolved =
That committee of five gentlemen be now chosen to
draft resolutions that the meeting stand adjourned to
next Saturday to receive their report and that the fol-
nS "res 'Ie ohn rraford Thomas
MAR, and Oge II. Gowan, Esquires.
On Saturday, the meeting again assembled pursuant
to adjournment Sidney Jones' Esq, called to the
Chair and W. b. Mclean, ESQ., Barrister, was chosen
secretary.
the last meeting presented report, which was read,
Is follows
q REPORT
The Committee appointed at the meeting held on
Wednes day evening" of which George Crawford, Esq
wac chairman have attentvey considered the highly
important questions then discussed, and have, after
much reflection, agreed to the following resolutions,
which, with great respect they submit for your con.
alteration and adop They further recommend that
the same be printed, and circulated as extensively as
possibly and that all their fellow subjects be invited
heartic cooperate in this great work Of Anglifca-
tion, which your committe view the only mode at
practicable by which these beautiful and i'm
portant appendages of the British empire can be pre-
vented from falling into the hands Of the neighborng
republic as they md general feeling pervading all
ranks Of the people to rid themselves Of the
domination which nuriously affects the general in
teres ts Of the country. 81.
l. Resolved That this meeting view with regret the
present deplorable state Of the ProvnnnSnnk deeply
In debt it's revenue declining its expenses increasing,
its business energy dropping, and large and infuen-
ta portion Of its inhabitants in state Of the bitterest
excitement and agitation. -
2. Resolved That the present state Of the public
mind cannot be suffered to continue without serious
injury to all interests in the Province nor without
placing in direct peril our connexon with the parent
State.
.. Resolved, That though this meeting desires to
abstain from reflections upon any Of the parties hitherto
existing in the Province still il believes that the time
has arrived when a bold and determined and undying
effort should be made to put end to the contentious
which distractng the country injuriously af
Setinx ita Luincss ts lahnring nnnulat