The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-10-12
Caaada-Thc Annexation Question.

from the Caledonia.
Caaada-Thc Annexation Question.
The question of annexation 10 the United States
continues to be debated with great interest by the
Inhabitants and public journals of Canada, more
particularly by those that, in times past, were
looked upon as the most loyal subjects of the
Brush crown, and prided themselves on monopo-
lizing all the loyalty in those provinces. We
have adverted in our columns to the causes which
induced them to desert the ground of loyalty, and
TO assume the position which they now occupy.
The principal one was, that under the system of
responsible government which was introduced
into Canada, the French interest gained as
eendancy IN the provincial parliament, and con-
trolled, as matter Of course, the distribution of
the Offices and emoluments, TO the exclusion of the
British or tory party, who had enjoyed all the
loaves and fishes from time lmmemoria and who
looked upon and treated the French, not as fellow
subjects on equal terms with each other as re-
garded political rights, but as a conquered people,
whom the conquerors had right to dictate to and
ssntrol. Under the responsible government
scheme, the French got the control of the legis-
latme and of the spoils, and from the time when
they got the ascendancy until the present, their
political opponents, the British tory party, have
domination.
This is the situation Of the two parties in Cana
da, and the cause which produced the present
state Of things there, and the disturbed and excited
feelings between the rival races. The approval of
the Rebellion Losses bill by the Governor Gene
ra the refusal OF the British government to ecall
Lord Egin, for having sanctioned that measure,
and their support Of him in the course which he
L. -, H.. IL. Of n. r
those provinces generally. destroyed all hope in
the breasts of the Tory party Of acquiring their
lost power, which, in the ordinary course of po-
litical affairs, had been transferred the French
As a means, therefore, of releasing themselves
from Fench domination, they all at once threw
away the mantle Of loyalty, and seized the idea of
snnexing Canada to the United States-in the fret
place, however, only for the purpose of tightening
the British Parliament into their measures, but
afterwards for getting rid OF the French, and now,
In all seriousness, all parties to be gong the
whole figure
The annexation question IL discussed more than
ever; and It Is supported openly by many news
papers Of influence and circulation whose repeated
remarks and discussions on the propriety OF sever
ing the political connection between Canada and
Great Britain, and uniting the destiny Of the ormer
Doubt, IN course of time, remove the prejudlces
towards the people and institutions Of the United
States, which exist in the minds II the masses of
the Canadians, and prepare them for becoming
citizens of this republic. But this change of opin.
ion-this revolution IN mems mlnds-w take a
little time to mature. Nor would IL, perhaps, be
advisable that annexation should take place with.
out the Canadians undergoing a probation. and
a A a.
proposed change were duly weighed, and debe-
rate conclusion arrived at, that annexation to the
United States would be favorable change for
Canada.
The annexationists Of Canada must not, how
ever, imagine that the people of this country are
exceedingly anxious for their incorporation into our
eonft derscy, or that they can become members Of
our mighty republic at any time they please. There
must be two parties TO every contract. Ia addition
to that the subject is surrounded with difliculties
come of very important character, which it would
take lorg time to discuss and dispose Of. Their
nnon with the United States might be opposed by
the Southern States, unless an equivalent for the
anti-slsvery interest which Canada would bring
into our national councils, were made up ia some
way or other. In the natural course OF things, the
Spanish leland 81 Cuba will fall into our lap; and the
annexation OF that island might in part supply the
equivalent referred to. We have received a large
slice Of territory by the incorporation Of Texas,
and by the indemnity which got, in the late war;
from Mexico; and we cannot, for the present, at
least, expect any more from that quarter. Cuba,
therefore, is the only place to which we can look
for an equivalent to our Southern friends, to make
mp for the accession Of Northern influence which
Canada would bring into the Union. But tbs an
nexation Of Cuba Is not yet ripe. The navy of the
United States has been employed under the direc-
tion Of the cabinet at Washington, in the anti
American work Of preventing the inhabitants Of
Cuba from asserting their Independence and ma
sionality, with success; so that Spanish govern.
ment there is strengthened for few years longer
Il would not, perhaps be Advisable to take in he
Csnadas, without at the same time incorporating
Southern territory, in order to maintain the equl
bnum which now exists between the interests and
sentiments Of the several sections of the republic
There is no question that the feeling in favor Of
annexation is becoming stronger in Canada every
day. We shall continue to watch its progress, as
veil the temper in which it is discussed; but the
,roject be earned out for some little time TO
come, no matter how DESTROYS our Canadian friends
may become for the change. They must FIRST get
De consent Of Great Bntain-thea we will talk