The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-07

[ooaansponpsncs OF THE nsrusLic.l
.,raifser Tonovro, March -, 1851

I.4.
1ai t'i TonoHro, March -, 1851.
Our politicians have been startled BY report 70
the efcct that ministers ssriously dsiberasang
upou the propriety Of closing The Wellsnd canal
asainst al United States vessels, ~ measure Of
retaliation for the rejection By Congress Of the Re-
oiproeity bill. The rumor comes from source
witch imparts 70 II = character widely different
frem that Of an ordinary on dit. Inspector Gene
raj HACKS has stated. In reply 70 question the
subject. that such atep Is exceedingly probable,
though not yet actually decided upon.
The prsbabilitissof the case are strengthened by
circumstances concerning which speak from posi-
tive knowledge. Mr.. Hincks has caused an intima-
ton to be conveyed to Capt Mason, ofthe Ameri-
can steamer Rochester, that he will not in future
be allowed 70 touch at Dalhousie (the port at tho
mouth Of the Welland canal) In his trips between
Leviston and Hamilton. This prohibition II based
upon . clause in the Navigation act passed BY the
Imperial Parliament which forbids foreign vessels
TO trade from one British port to another, and i'm
poses pscuniary penalties for the disrsgard Of this
provision. Last year, when the Same act was in
Operations, The same inspector general informed
the sams Captain Mason, in note which have
seen, that he might touch ~ before at Dalhousio,
and ct other Canadian ports his route; alleging
A. his reason for granting the privilege that. al
though the imperial act forbade such course, II
imposed no penalties for adhering to it! That
note displays the morality of this minister Of the
crown; while the injunction Of the present year
reveals the animas Of his dealings with Americans,
whatever professions Of friendship may appear on
other occasions.
II must b confessed. indeed, that Lord Egin's
advisers are altogether incongruous beings. At
the time that they are confessedly discussing re-
talatory policy, and displaying, in many petty
ways, their desire to adopt it, we find them no
further back than Tuesday last giving utterancs
to the most decided free-trade dogmas. On that
day tho opening of the Suspension bridge between
Lewiston and Queenston was celebrated by pub
lie dinner, which WIS attended by many cclebri-
ties from both sides Of the line The Canadian
ministry were represented by Messrs. Price and
Hincks. the former expressed hope "that all
distractions to free intercourse between the two
countries will shortly be removed" The latter
remarked that, "whilst tho people of Canada are
briskly occupied in removing all obstacles in the
way of this intercourse, and are building bridges
and railroads for the purpose of promoting it, it
appeared to him absurd to maintain barrier Of
custom houses and duties.' And again: 'he had
not the slightest doubt that the good sense of the
people on both sides of the line win very sweep
away all these distractions" ~
Such il tho difference between ministerial talk
and ministerial practise.
have repeatedly assured you that my own OBJ
servations in the south and west of the province
convinced mo that the feeling in favor of annexa-
Ii on il rapidly gaining ground. To show that
have not imposed upon your confidence, quote a
sentence from the Homilton Spectator, . tory and
anti annsxationist, and by far the most ably con-
Quoted journal in Canada: at is needless to dis
guise tho fact" says the Spectator, that of all the
parties and fragments Of parties, into which the
country i divided, the annexatonists the most
numerous, though, perhaps. not the most united"
8.