The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-19

A CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STATEs.-No
higher compliment could possibly be paid to the
wisdom Of the great men who founded the repub-
lie of the United States of America, and who
established our constitutional form of govern
ment, than is paid in the extent to which that
form of government has been copied and imi-
tated. 1t has ever since been the dream of all
liberal minds in Europe. France, and Germany,
and Italy have made various attempts to obtain
such political system. The old Spanish-Ame-
rican colonies. melted by our example, threw off
the yoke of the mother country, fought for and
obtained their independence. and proceeded to
reorganize themselves as Independent republics
or as federal States, copying as closely as psssi-
bic from the great original. Wherever, since
l176, new governments have been established
the liberal principle has largely entered into their
composition: and to this day, the tendency of
things all over the world is toward closer as
simiation to our institutions. Not only do Eng
lish reformers, like Bright. praise them and con-
trast them with even British institutions, which
have been much liberalized since the establish
ment Of this republic, but English statesmen en-
deavor, in regard to the British transatlantic
possessions, to approximate as nearly as possible
to the model of our government.
This disposition is particularly observable in
the Canadian provinces. Instead of being ruled.
as of old. by Colonial Secretary sitting in
his Office in Downing street the Canadians now,
to all intents and purposes, govern themselves.
They have their own Parliament. and pass their
own laws. The only relic of dependence that
they retain Is that they have voice In the choice
Of their Governors, who have the veto power
over the Legislatures. The Canadian provinces
thus bear to England exactly the same relative
position that our Territories bear to US; and
there is this advantage about the position that
while they have all the benefits of independence.
they are relieved from most Of the burdens of
maintaining ii.
And yet, with all these advantages on their
side. there Is growing desire on the part OF
the Canadians to assimilate themselves even
more closely to us; and, strange to say, that dc
sire finds no dishvor in England. but is rather
encouraged there. II is now in contemplation
to form all the Canadian provinces into one fetle.
ration-republican in everything but name
having legislative body answering to our
national Congress. and with its members APP
pointed on the same principle.
The home government will still retain H. right
TO the appointment Of Governor General. but
with that single exception-whch will relieve
the Canadians from the trouble Of Presidential
elections-thc mother country viii have no right
Of interference with them. Indeed so far has
the principle Of election Of officers prevailed in
Canada, that there Is considerable grumbIing
there now because the Governor selects the Min
istry, without reference to the popular voice,
just the President Of the United States selects
his Cabinet Our experience has not been Of a
kind TO Justify these grumblings. On the con-
trary, one Of our great complaints is that too
many subordinate Offices arc elective.
As to the possibility Of an ultimate union be-
tween the Canadian federation and this republic,
or portion Of IL, If ever discovered. that will be
q matter for the consideration Of those who come
after ne. IL would be rather premature to dis
cuss it now. II will probably not occur in this
generation. Even II II did we do not see wha, adj
vantage II would be to either Canada being thus
Pi"S"N"iiy "itP1"hS; WIN ihteieSS mStPha"'y
allied TO ours, il matters little about the mere
form Of alliance. The line Of separation between
us will be virtually wiped out in all that relates
to trade and commerce, and as to the mere dis
tinction Of governments. that will be a matter
Of little moment What is most remarkable in
this movement is the implied recognition Ivy the
English government Of the fact that the only
institutions suited to the people Of this continent
are those established by the founders of this
republic.