The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-02-15

The ANNEXATION MOVEMENT IN CANADA.
does not seem that the despatch of Earl Grey to
Lord Elgin, the present Governor of Canada, on
the subject Of Ration, has created the impress
sion or excitement among the annexationists
which might reasonably have been expected. The
determined sentiments which II conveyed, and the
explicit and unmistakable language with which
they were clothed, appear to have been received
with something like indifference, and to have
awakened nothing but a cool determination among
the annexationsts, TO pursue the course which they
have been prosecuting since the movement was
first commenced, by persevering in the work Of
efecting peaceable separation of Canada from
England, and its incorporation with the United
States.
1t cannot be concealed, however, that the deter
mined spint OF resistance which emanates from the
British ministry, TO any and all measures calculated
to produce a severance of the tie which binds Cana
da TO the British empire, will assuredy injure the
movement and retard its consummation for il is
clear, think, that the nature of things, sepa
ration must take place, sooner or later. Its first
effect will be TO drive away the timid annexation
ists-to frghten away such as would pcrsevere in
the work if England had not taken hostile stand,
and to deprive the annexstonists Of the addition
-
Their they would join the movement, from the time
Of its commencement, and who were only waiting
for an opportunity to connect themselves with
II after they should have ascertained that
the British ministry would offer them no i'm.
pediment. This latter class will now be as
violently opposed to separation they would
b. IN favor OF 1t if Earl Grey's despatch
had not been written. In a few months, however,
the ment WILL, in all probability, be popular
as before and as long as the sgitators keep them
selves within the law, they cannot be interrupted
Emutes may occur, from time to time, between
the anne xauobists aud their opponents; and some
bloody noses may be given on both sides. This,
however, will not amount To much; but n the
government perceive that the agitation increases,
and that the annexation sentiment will, IL not
stopped, ultimately prevail, laws will be made to
meet the case, as was done in Ireland couple Of
years since. The British Parliament would have
no hesitation IN passing laws for the purpose OF
putting out Of the way the most prominent agita-
tors, in the same manner as they did when they
wanted TO get nd Of Mitchell, MsaRher, Duffy, and
others q the leaders Of the attempted rebellion or
revolution in Ireland. The same policy may yet
be adopted in Canada, TO choke of the prominent
leaders of the annexhtionists.
One thing, however, Is certain, and that is, that
the annexation movement has been staggered a
lite by Earl Grey's despatch, aud that We in the
Upred states have it in our power to delay its
contamination for an indefinite time Ii the Con-
gr,ss at Washington were to establish reciprocity
&C irede between Canada and the United States,
/, would do more than anything else to check the
anne Xaiion movement. Such an act would give
the Canadians nearly all the commercial advsn-
tages which they would acquire by annexation
This would satisfy large proportion Of those who
are now clsmoring for separation from the
mother country.