The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-19
Our Montreal Correspondence.
CdNadlaa MaHrs-Natioaat Convention--Cho-
lerQ-Oraupe Riots S-c.

6rd-Orange RIOTS, &c.
AS day succeeds day, and the time appointed for
the meeting of the National Convention draws
nearer and nearer, the public pulse quickens in
proportion, and the public, mind becomes more and
more excited, evincng how great an interest is
felt in coming events. Never, perhaps, since the
revoutionzing of the old thirteen States, was such
an important step takes, the part of any colony,
towards the mother country. Turn and twist it
as you will, it is the same all its bearings VIZ.
virtual throwing off allegiance TO Great Britain
II is important, however, as showing that the time
so long looked forward to by every class OF British
statesmen--when these provinces would no longer
continue the connection with England, has actual
ly arrived, that your readers should know the
causes from which the present movement has
sprung. by most persons, both in Canada and the
neither country, IL rs presumed that the obnoxious
measure known as the Rebel bill, passed during
the last session OF the Canadian Legislature, and
lately sanctioned in England, has been the means
OF inaugurating the present movement. Such is
not the will not deny but that this measure
has proved an all powerful lnstrumen, In the hands
OF those deslrous OF a change, in moving the
people 10 carry out the organization now existing
in the province But also hold that, independent
of this measure, the same organization would have
been carried out, and the same convention assem-
bled. That time has arrived which Lord DEM nm
so much feared, when the Canadians, by some
change of policy in the mother country, the NOV
ing OF some hidden spring IN the Colonial Ohce In
England, would be the means OF driving the colo
nists to compare their backwdrdness with the pro-
crossing prosperity OF neighborlng Stale. The
hidden spring has been set IN motion protection
has been Withdrawn from the colonies; and, with
out protection, they cannot compete with the rest
of the world. This belief concerning protection
may be fallacy, and am not prepared to dispute
II; but be Il 30 or NOT, you cannot persuade the
farmer to believe so, and never will be able.
lbave resided many years IN Canada, and l
have never beheld 80 great depression Ia my
branch CT industry. Our quays, as compared with
former years, are almost barren OF goods and the
same distressing sight IS visible at all the ports
throughout the province. Add to this the fact,
that our mechanics and laborers are leaving both
sections Of the provinces dailyn large numbers
and many farmers are dlsposng OF their lands and
ENGRAVING to the Western States. With such A
fearful state of things existing. is to be wondered
that independent OF the Rebel bill, every persoa de-
sires chapge-in fact, see the necessity OF bring
ing it about. Their ills may be imag inary, and the
depressed state OF trade no greater than in other
quarters Of the continent and the old world but you
cannot make the coionlsts believe IT, The unan-
swerabe question is put, why cannot We prosper
like our neighbors! II is these things which have
produced the fret movement IN thus province, and
gwen birth TO a movement which will shake the
present existing constitution to It's foundation, IT 1t
does not utterly sweep II away.
On the 18th instant, the convention assemblies at
Kingston, and after several calculations, | find
there cannot be less than 250 300 deeg ttes pre-
sent. In such an assembly II cannot be doubted,
but that violent, even rancorous debates VIII take
place and We shall, perhaps, have To recount
scenes beating everything yet heard of. All the
various important and numerous questions at pre-
sent agtating the community will be brought up,
and many new ones suggested But all discussions
OF petty questions Will give way 10 the two great
parties composing 1t, and OF which the others an
only be oil-shoots These parties are those IN A.
yor Of annexation, and confederation OF the
North American provinces hat the probability OF
the ederal union proving an aliment, look upon
it as being in short time proved futile. And l
also consider that if annexation be not determined
on the party will ultimately ont OF the coatest
with the gain OF additional strength aud honor.
If the federalists are defeated, both parties will be
DESTROYS of fresh contest, and new appeal 10
the people-the federalists, # possible, to regain
their lost strength; and annexatonists to be sure
of certain sustanants. The leader OF the fede-
rails will be Mr.. Mofiatt, a gentleman of an inn
mense influence and high standing, possessed OF
indomltabe energy, and OF incorrupible virtue,
and from which qualities he probably holds his
present position. lie ~ great speaker, but pos
sesses much shrewdness. Ills oplnIon Will have
great weight, and his vote influence many.
The anncxationists are sensible OF this, and with
much tact will vote for his being elected TO the
Office OF chairman OF the convention, and so shelve
him. by this means, excepting IN case OF tie,
his vote Is lost TO one parry and II the annexa-
tionists win the day, Will be gain To them. For
am told Mr.. Mofiatt has said, that At the minority
CT the convention for annexation, he Will, for
the purpose Of unanimlty OF action, join with
them.
Great discussion Is going on IN regard TO the
expected leaders Of the annexation party. Mr..
Il. Wilson, of Quebec, rather talented man, Is
spoken OF but he is far too violent In his speeches,
and would, fear, ere long, bring himself into
difficulties. lie wants the dcep-thlnklng memory
necessary 10 constitute n good leader, and there
fore ! think will come in second best. A Mr..
Backus, formerly member OF the Upper Canada
Parliament, and merchant in this city, ISL think,
likely 10 highly distinguish himself on the side OF
annexation, ii elected from the Montreal
leap for n = "A
favorable manner IN which he was received upon
the occasion of his nomination. believe he viii be
successful lie distinctly told them, however, that
he would II elected, vote for annexation. Tie has
long been an advocate OF IT, and by deep research
es has made himself acquainted with what Joe
Hume would call numerous stubborn facts. Col.
Gugy is also likely to be supporter OF the new
one Of the Montreal delegates. He lsa man, how
ever, who cannot be relied on, and Will go with
the strongest party. Mr.. II. Wilson, of Hamilton,
uonitis lie is the author of the letters on the
subject which appeared over the signature OF
Alrha. TheGovernor still continues at Monkands,
in fearful state of alarm and his ministry would
arpear 10 be equally so, the arrests so long
talked Of have not come of. Private letters from
Sir Allan McNab, would appear to still hold out
hopes OF the Canadian question upsettng the BRUSH
ministry, II Is to be again brought INTO both
houses Of the Imperial Legislature, and u " hoped
with success. A large meetlngot the inhabl tants
Of London was to have been held at Drufy Lane
Theatre, and Sir Allan McNab to address them
Since my last letter, have the most fearful IN.
tegence TO convey concerning the progress of
the cholera The board OF health, thro igh mis-
taken policy would not publish reports on it, hrst
appearance, and IL has now attained such height
that they dare not. Forty.tye deaths day the
two last DAYS. and twenty-five ca the average the
past week. All classes suffer alike the upper, OF
course not TO the same extent. The doctors are
IN a state Of the utmost tnpidatlon. and IN fact
know not how TO act. Amongst the military the
,no,,alitv is slao fearful and the military medical
men have drawn up a report TO the effect that II Is
not safe to keep the soldiery m barracks, ana
Recommending their removal TO the Island OF st.
1elen's.
The Governor will not hear Of their removal, so
that they will have TO remain, and take their
chance. In Quebec, the mortality has also been
very great and principally amongst the upper class
&C. Merchants will not go to their counting
houses. so that business is at a complete stand
still.
Saturday evening last, dlabvlical murder was