The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-16
Canadian Affairs.
Correspondence Of the ~ y Journal of Commerce.
MONTREAL, Sth February, 1880

Correspondence Of the ". Y. Journal of Commerce
MONTREAL, sth February, 1850.
Two dispatches from Earl Grey 10 Lord Elgin
have furnished food for the wordy warfare of the
connexionist and annexationst. and the ministe
rial and anti ministerial parties and their journals
during the present week. The one Is the declara-
ton in somewhat faint terms of my Lord Grey's
approval Of Lord Elgins conduct in removing the
seat of government TO Toronto. This affords an
opportunity TO ministeriaists 10 indulge in sundry
gratulatory chuckes while the anti ministcrialsts
sneer at the mere echo by Earl Grey personally of
the opinions Of his knsInan, very fcebly and
doubtingly expressed. The other contains an APP
proval by Earl Grey, speaking in his character Of
the organ OF the cabinet, and in the name of her
majesty, of the conduct which Lord Elgin aud his
Provincial Cabinet have pursued with regard to the
amer ationists, and urging his excellency 10 en-
force vigorously such legal measures as her ma
jesty provincial legal advisers may deem fitting
or possible to adopt against those concerned in fur
thering the cause. The Courier, an independent
annexaiionist Journal seems inclined to draw back
little at this, and admits that If the reforms agi
tated by the League and reciprocal free trade
be obtained, they may do very well without annex
alton. The organs Of the Association, however,
both French and English, still maintain their
ground, declaring that they will not cease peaceable
agitation, which they deem perfectly constitution
al at the dictation of any colonial minister The
Association itself has Issued manifesto to the peo
pie of Canada upon the subject Of the despatch. IL
concludes with an appeal TO the people of Canada to
decide the question whether the interference Of the
government IL constitutional or no; and declares
that in pursuing their onward course, the members
Of the Association conceive that they defend
ing one OF the greatest bulwarks Of this countrys
| liberties"
| Notwithstanding this appeal, ! think the Annexa-
tionists must reckon upon n considerable detection
from their ranks The fact that Mcssrs. Golden and
Hume leaders Of the radicals and ultra free traders
have taken prominent part in the Colonial Gov
| eminent Reform Association, having for lite object
the retention Of the colonies by means of reforms
the administration Of their governments, affords TO
txr it,Ht 49,
which the Imperial Parliament will take upon the
subject OF Canada annexation during the present
session. IL these men, who above all others will
ing, for a saving Of few thousand pounds. TO Let
the colonies go, and who heartily despise the glory
and greatness argument which come urge in favor
OF colonial empire. adopt 10 retain them,
| there is a moral certainty what the Wings, Con-
scrvativcs, and Tories will be prepared TO do. I
have no doubt that the subject of colonial reform
will be prominent topic Of discussion during the
present session, and that indication Of the dis
favor with which the people Of Great Britain view
this attempt 70 dismcmber the empire, will be given
to the world Should this be the case large num-
Der of Annexationists who have been led to become
such by the assertion of their leaders that Great
Britain was prepared 20 give the province up, will
rotrace their steps, seeing the present action Of the
Imperial Government sustained by the opinions Of
the representatives Of the British people. At all
events, IL will be strong argument TO deter others
| from joining their ranks. Any silly braggedocio
against a government which we know could crush
would be pitifu attempt Mt an exhibition of
moral courage. Lord Grey, proud fool that be is,
has written In as offensive a tone as possible; but
facts and notstylc must be the subject of civil strife
| If IL should come TO that.
The promised annexation manifesto from the To-
rono Association has not yet made its appearance.
The weather during the early part Of the week
was intensely cold, the mercury sinking low as
| 300 below zero.
There has been some rioting at the Quebec mum.
cipal elections, but II has been attended with nose
| rious results, believe.