The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-02
News from Europe.

News from Europe.
One weeks later intelligence from Europe, by
the America, is now due over the wires, from st.
John, N 3.
The Canadian Observation-Disclosures Past
and Present.
The present situation of affairs in the British
provinces of Canada, is anomalous and extraordi-
nary. 1t arises from the course of action pursued
by the French and British parties for few years
past, and the events growing out Of that action.
Until within few years, all the honors and Offices
connected with the administration of government
in the Canadas were in the possession and under
the control of the British party, who constituted
them as they do now, a minority Of the people. The
majority became dissatisfied with this state of
things, and clamored for, and finally obtained, a
system, which they term irresponsible govern
ment," under the operation of which there was
not only more equitable government, but, what
was equally important, more equitable distribu3
ton of the spoils and plumber of Office.
The action and results Of this system of govern
ment have been remarkable; and il is to it that we
may trace the present state of feeling between the
French and British parties.
Now, if those two provinces had been governed
by the representatives of the majority Of the peo-
pie, on system similar to that which prevails In
the United States, there would never have been
difficulty. Each province would have been sepa-
rate State, and in each the majority would have
ruled, as with US but by being bound together as
they are-two hostile races, with hostile recollec-
tons existing between them for a period of over
half century-nothing less than what has taken
place there could reasonably have been expected.
There could be nothing but perpetual reverend
inc contest between the two races; whereas, had
they been independent States, the French would
have got on as well in their own way as the people
of Louisiana have and do, at this day.
The present excitement there, however, is more
than what might have been expected, for it has
been caused by the British party, which, par erce
2ence, has been always the most loyal, as well as
the most noisy. Still, however, we do not believe
that the idea of annexation to the United States is
seriously entertained by the leaders OF that party
1t has been put forth by their leaders, to serve their
own purposes for the time being-with tho view of
meeting and nfamipg the passions of the masses
connected with this party, and for the purpose of pro-
noting their own selfish purposes They would not
commit themselves to annexation, and hence we
see in the report issued by the British League that
annexation is repudiated. 1t is singular fact, how
ever, that all the movements which preceded the
revolution which ultimately ended in cutting the
connection between England and the old thirteen
American colonies, were commenced IN the same
way as those which have recently taken place IN
Canada Separation was the principle advocated |
by the leaders ostensibly, but resistance only to mi
quitous laws was seriously entertained But the |
rank and file adopted eventually not only resistance
but separation, too; and we see how II has ended.
A similar result may take place in Canada, if the |
party out of power-the British party-continue to |
indulge in the violent party spirit and party abuse
which have characterized them for time past,
towards the party that is in power.
We are persuaded, also, that although there may
be a bitter hostility between the two factions in
Canada and that the minority threaten annexation,
the majority, or French party, would not interpose
any serious obstacle to the furtherance of such
project by the hitherto styled loyal party, if they
were satisfied they were sincere in their intention |
TO carry it into effect. |
1t is supposed by some, that the recent outbreak |
is nothing more than mere riot; but the feelings
which have been developed in Montreal and other
places, show that such is wrong and narrow view
to take Of the matter. When the passions of two
great political parties aroused, as has been the
case there, 1t is difficult TO tell where they will
cease. To us, in this quiet republic, where we are
In the habit OF settling all political disputes, either
concerning great principles or mere party mea-
sures, by majority OF votes, the idea of two
parties armlng and shooting down each other in
the streets, is horrible and barbarous; but sucb
things characterize political parties when they are
on the eve of deciding the fate of nation or
province Such things could not take place in
any State of this republic, war in the open
streets between opposing factions; but their oc-
currence in Canada shows the extreme depth and |
violence of the feeling which has been aroused on
both sides.
From all that we have seen and deliberated on
the subject, thus ar, we think that, although the
alternative raised by the British party is not in |
tended or seriously entertained for any purpose |
than merely to create popular passion, yet that
under compusien they will be forced ultimately to
adopt separation from the British government in
toto Commerce and trade of all kinds were never
30 stasnant as they are now in Canada indeed
the contrast which this side of the boundary pre-
seh's 10 'he other is extraordinary, and almost
enough I'D itsef to Cause revolution and separation
But, independent OF this, the two factions have
become entangled, for party purposes. with nub,ic
declarations and popular outcries, and thew will
both probably find that those same declarations
will be, ere long, the symbols of revolution and
ultimate separation from the mother country or Of
such feeling will prevent any local government
from keeping place for six months together.
The solution Of these important problems will