The republic., 1852-01-03

united; the one for and the other against, the
question of the seculariEation OF the clergy re-
serves. The property at stake is valued at mil
lions, and the principle involved ID virtually the
separation Of Church and State. Like promogeni-
turc, it is Fundamental, and shapes the character
of the future government. In I790 George Ill.
gave for the support Of tho Protestant religion in
Canada, certain proportion seventh, be-
iieve--of the public domains. At all events,
1900, 900 Of the public lands are now sur
veyed, ready for entry, 100000 Of which are set
apart for the church. These lands are sold at the
land office, and. like other public lands. by the
State, and the proceeds paid over to the clergy.
Until a few years ago, these were enjoyed exclu-
AiveIy by the church of England majority Of
the people belonged to other churches, and the
agitation against this monopoly became so violent
that to save part, the church obliged to shnre
Il with other churches At fret, the Presbyterans
only was admitted to participation, but subse-
auently all sects were placed on level Several Of
them however, refuse, principle, to receive State
endowments and these insist that the lands should
be taken from ecclesiastical purposes and applied
to education. The party contending for this doc
trine has obtained Parliamentary majority In
Canada West; but the final disposition Of the
serves is still a matter Of great doubt. II appro-
printed to education, the fund will be noble one.
scarcely surpassed on this continent!
The opinions Of Canadians on the most import
ant political questions not yet strictly defined
by party lnes Reformers may be heard inveigh-
ing against the folly Of destroying the connection
with England, and Conservatives joining in the
cry for Irresponsible government" by which is
meant Canadian government, responsible to the
Canadians. For effecting this object, many Of the
most intelligent avow themselves in favor of max
ing the Governor and Legislative Council elective.
There is an unusual calm in agitating radical
political questions moi unlikely portsntous Of a
storm. Bitter complaints heard in every
quarter of the injury inflicted Canada by
British FREQ trade.
Momentous questions begin to make their ap.
pearance in the distance. What ia to be the future
condition of Canada? All admit that the present
connexion cannot continue forever. Some think
n separation may be prevented by her being incor.
porated as an integral part of the British empire
like Ireland or Scotland; some that Canada shoulc
in due time establish herself as an Independent
ton; some that she should join with the otheI
British colonies and form afederative government
like ours; some that she should make common
cause with the United States and form herself int
States of the Union. Little il said now about an
mex xation. Two three years ago, you recollect
the Conservatives, enraged by the passage OF "th
Rebellion Losses Compensation bill, /" declared yer,
generally for annexation; but this has entlrcl,
subsded- dignation has passed by, and loyalty
has resumed its sway. No declares him
self in favor of annexation at the hustings, bu
there are unmistaksble evidences that there is
strong under-current tending that way, which cir
cumstances now operating will ere long dlsclose.
Yours, truly, w.