Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-02-14
THE CRISIS IN CANADA.

The great matter of annexation, which has
so powefllly agitated the Canadians for some
time past has now reached its crisis. The Brit
sh government have spoken out upon this sub
lect, and aken such stand as will either put
an end tpall projects for political change, or
lead at oace to civil war. 1t is well known that
the addresses and applications in various shapes
made to the British government by the Canadi,
ans, in behalf of the proposed changes, have
been Tor sOme time the subject OF anxious dellb
Grafton in the Ministry. The British press has
discussed the matter with great freedom, and the
tone which has prevailed in the public journals,
as well as that of many eminent political lead
ers, has been that of frendiness toward the col
onlsts, and acquiescence in their desires for u
larger measure of self government. The Brit
sh cabina, however, maintained strict reserve
on this jiicate topic, and no means existed of
knowing bow they were inclined in relation to
the new Jhemes.
AT Ien9h the government have come to a de
clslon alp placed the course they are deter
mined to 4arsuo no longer in doubt. BY the
last steamptcket from England, despatch was
forwarded to the British Goyernor.General of
Canada, tecaring against all political change
IN that country, and commanding him 10 resist
TO the utnostof his power every ottcmpt to sep,
arate it irm treat Britain, A telegraphic des-
patch, as bllsws, was received in this city yes
lerday lmrnhg by the Evening Gazette and
Scntnel.- Boston Coulr.
ToRoNTo, CANADA WEST,
February |, 1850.
Lord EFin has published the following impor-
tant despair from Earl Grey, the English Sec
Rotary tor(Slonial ATairs:-
C1LoNIAL OFFICE, DOWNING ST,
ID LoSDoH, Jan. Q, 1850,
10 the Rgst Hon. Earl Of Eigjn, Governor
General Hice-.4imirui, and Captoin- General
Of all til British Prorinces Of North Y4mericn.
My Lori have the honor to acknowledge
your despaches of the dates and numbers quot
ed IN the nlrgln. have laid these dispatches
before HeMajesty, and also the Address OF the
Warden Councillor Of the Municipal Council Of
the Gore District; the Address Of the Lieuten-
ant-Colone and officers of the first and eighth
battallonsf the Dorchester Regiment of Mill
tla the Address Of the officers Of the forty
eighth bahliDn of the Kamouraska Regiment
of Militia tile Address of the inhabitants OF
St Anne; and the Address of the Lieutenant
Colonel Commanding, and other officers of the
Quebec Regiment Of Militia, all enclosed in the
ID and Sd d these Dispatches, which Her Maj
esty has BEEN pleased to receive very gracou5ly,
1t AFFORDED Her Majesty great satisfaction to
receive tMexpressi0ns of that loyalty and at
tachment btile British Crown, which she trusts
Is generallyfelt by her Canadian subjects.
With regard to the Address to the People OF
Canada" ilfavor of s9verng the Province from
the British iolninions for the purpose Of annex
alton to theITnited States, which forrs the sub
ject oil thea addresses and your dispatches, |
have to inirm yon that Her Majesty approves
Of your having dismissed from her service those
who have sgned the document which is scarce
ly short of reasonable in its character.
Her NASTY confidently relies upon the 10y
atty of theIeat majority OF her Canadian sub
jects, and VI has therefore determined to exert
all the autbrty that belongs to her, for the pur-
pose Of mgfalning the connection of Canada
with this gsSgment, being persuaded that the
IRsgegas IL Ssrsi3Ts u ~nderst,nd ,b,,
you are Commanded by Her Majesty to resist, tc
the utmost j your power, any attempt which
may be mac to bring about the separation OIL
Canada ironthe British dominions; and TO mark
in the strongst manner Her Maicsty's displeas
ure with al lose who may directly or indirect.
ly encouragement design.
And if aWattempt of this kind should take
such form tat those who are guilty of it NAV.
according tsuch advice as you may receive
from your leal counsel) be made responsible
for their comet in Court of Justice, you will
not fan to TAX the necessary measures for bring.
ing them to 0 account.
an, my I'D, your most obedient seryt.