The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-02
Affairs In Canada-The Beginning Of the
End.

Affairs In Canada-The Beginning Of the
End.
For some tune past past, affairs in Canada have
been in peculiar and remarkable condition.
crisis the government of that colony ID rapidly
approaching, and no one knows what week or a
m nth may bring forth. The future is pregnant
with great events-events that may make develope-
ments little dreamed OF by her Majesty's very loyal
subjects that part OF the world, but which are
doubtless looked forward to and expected by q
great portion of the people, including the de-
scendants OF the old original French settlers.
For many years there has been a severe and
bitter enmty existing between the two descriptions
of population into which those provinces are d.
v,d.d, not only for Offices under the government,
but for moral position and Influence. The British
portion have always looked upon the French as
beneath them in the moral SCALE and as not entitled
to share at all IN the honors emoluments of GO
vernment, and the French have always resisted the
claim and the frequent collisions that have &C.
CURED between them have tended to make the
ennty betw cen them more bitter and more violent
1t has been increased and magnlfed by the fact
that the French were always considered as disloyal
20 the mother country, and as willing, when oppor-
tunity offered, to declare Canada an independent
nation, with the view of ultimate annexation to
the United States. Nor do we believe that they
were considered without good reason /; tor they
never evinced much attachment to British rule,
from the time when Canada became British pro-
pefty till the present. This, of course. was dis
agreeable TO the British party, who, rather than
see Canada become a part OF the universal Yankee
nation, would have every French Canadian deca.
plated and Ills headess trunk sent over the Falls
OF Niagara. Notwithstanding all opposition, the
French rarty, however, has got the ascendancy,
and now controls the government of the two pro-
vincee
Tho excitement which at present exists there
has been produced by proposition brought for
ward by the ministry, under the influence of M.
Lafontaine and M. Papine au, appropriating the
sum OF one hundred and eighty thousand pounds
for the liquidation of losses sustained DURING the
abcrtive rebellion of 1897 This is the same Pa
pineau who took an active part in that rebellion
and rs the losses were incurred by Frenchmen
principally, the British party look upon the bill as
q measure to indemnify the very men who were
engaged IN that abortlve attempt to separate the
Canadas from British rule. 1t Is really nothing
less; and the introduction OF it at this time as a
ministerial measure, proves the great strength and
influence Of the French anti British party; for 1t
cannot be conceived that II would have been
brought forward unless those who are at the bot
ON OF il were certain Of their strength to carry It,
AS might be expected, this measure was the signal
of an uproar in the House of Parliament, and ac-
. rdingy we are informed that 1t was the cause OF
row which throws completely in the shade any
similar occurrence that ever took place in any of
The legislatures of our Western States. Foresee-
ing the probable issue of the bill, and aware of the
controlling influence Of the French party in the
Parliament, the British party called indignation
meetings at Montreal and other places, at which
most violent language was used, and dark init
nations about future action were thrown out.
Now, it cannot be supposed that It Is the sum OF
money which Is thus proposed to be aporoprsted
that has caused all this trouble, excitement and
indignation. That Is trhing, and not worth talk.
ing about, much less fighting and holding meetings.
1t 10 the principle which at the bottom Of 1t; and
Q very important one 1t 10. II we look at the cir
cumstances in which Canada is placed, this
measure is nothing more or less than proposition
to pay out OF the government revenues losses In
eurred by the revolutionary party, IN attempting
separation of the Canadas from England The
French were the losers, and 1t Is the French who
were the revolutionists, and who will be Indemnl-
NED II the bill should pass This is the long and
s"of' Of the matter or, in other words 1t will be
1ewardlng the revolutionary party.
now II we look upon the measure In this light,
ard disregard the sum mentioned in the proposed
bill, we arrive at the conclusion that the proposed
bill Is actually intended as test of the LOYALTY of
he people Of Canada to the Queen of England.
il the bill should pass, 1t will be taken for granted
hat there lie majority Of the members Of parl;s-
snent and Of constitute Noes opposed to any longer
connection with England That fact once a.cey.
tanned. and the channel is open for other and more
importsnt proceedings. In this view, the A. the bill
OF Naturalization now before the Canadian Par. |
hsmeni is full Of meaning and significance. Ii |
bold step for the French party TO take; but we ap.
plehend that M. Popneau and M. Lafoataine