The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-09-18
The Position of Canada.
DON.G ANA's HOTEL,
MONTREAL, Aug. II, 1852

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
The hold upon the Canadas, by England, isnow, and
must be ia future, maintained solely by moral and
not by physical means; by the attachment OK the pco
pie flowing from an honest and just administration of
government. The five Thousand men Of the army
then, which now occupy the Canadas, small as the
number is are too many for any demonstrative
purpose they can neither defend the Provinces
against foreign foe, prevent the action of the
people, if they should determine to become indie
pendent of the British crown The truth is, England
neednot maintain single soldier in tho Canadas
and it is probable following the present policy that
there will not be soldier IN the country in few
years, save ut Quebec 1t il not many years since
there were, by report, twenty five Thousand men
maintained in Canada. These-so far as defending
the country against the United States was iu view
would not have ayailed against the immense
military means, material anu personal. that that
power could, in short time, combine for the con-
guesu OF Cslada.
In war with the United States (Which war
cannot by any suppcsabe means ever exist. England
being the chooser), Canada would be conquered
within 1900 yards Of Quebec in three months, and
that fortress would be reduced by regular siege
within twenty, thirty, or forty days. 1t is seen
that England has reduced her military forces in
Canada from $4,000 to 5000 men and we may
guess that hereafter she viii maintain her power by
the people represented inteligen;ly 10 their Parlia
ments-the Governors General being selected for
their liberal views ana administrative Abilities and
instructed to oppose veto TO whatever legislation
may be had. having the interests of tho people in
view, anu WHICH may not DC opposed 10 brltIsn,
American, national, and international principles
England will be wise in Offering this as settled
policy, SO long as she desires to maintain her
sovereignty in these provinces, for she will accee
rate thereby the vast resources Of the country,
which, whether the products dow to Quebec or New
York, will become o mighty flood, bringing power
and prosperity. to Canada, and great benefits to
England as well as to the United States. But
fear that the Canadians are not sufficiently en-
lishtened, and are too much divided amongst
themselves, either to understand now what England
desires to do in the premises, or to maintain an
independent and vol balanced sovereignty. Should
this in the end prove true, they must submit to the
United States for panacea, in the shape of an
ne1ation, which with US, you know, is considered
the sovereignest thing in tho world for the cure
of all diseases incident to great state Of political
existence
Descending to details, have great pleasure in
bearing testimony to the admirable discipline Of
the English army stationed in Canada.
The organization ofthe British army is said to be,
in all its branches, perfect as it ever has been
and readily believe this to be the case, seeing the
fine portion Of it in this city and in Quebec.
Your obedient servant,
WM H. CHASE, Major Of Engineers