, 1859-01-20

It was announced some time ago thst
the Government Of Great Britain lad
under consideration plan for the confeoefa-
ton Of The North American Provinces, the
settlement Of the valleys OF the Asslnnibo'n,
Saskatchewan and Red Rivers, the organ'za'
tim of new provinces as these settlements
extend westward, 10 be added to the con-
federation after the manner that new STATES
are added to the American Union, and nnauy
the construction of railroad across the
continent On British sol, through Tue
agency Of which the trade Of the East-o1
China, India and Japan-is to be controlled
That the scheme is entirely practicable, thai
the proposed confederation Of British States
would add greatly to the lustre OF the Eosllsa
Government provided she could hold them,
and that it would prove to some extent
couuterpoisc to the rapidly growing power
and influence Of the United States, no we'll
informed person will for moment question.
But If there bc any truth in the statements
contained in the letter which nc copy this
morning from The n. z. 7ri1unt, there is still
another important matter connected with the
scheme the practicability Of which ne should
saw is somewhat questionable. The adden-
DUN, is in brief, the acquisition Of tue State OF
Maine and its incorporation with the British
North American Confederacy. This is deslE-
able On account Of the fine Aarbors Of that
State. the r,cat miliaess Of its winter cli-
mate which renders its harhors accessible at
oil seasons Of The yeur, and the consequent
fact that it is one Of the most prolific schools
for sailors in the country. While these facts
would render it very desirable and import
ant member of the Confedracy, they eervc to
make it, in connection with its proximity,
nost undesirable nctghbor while holding Its
present relations.
The paternity Of this scheme is attributed
to Lord Palmerston. Lord John Russell las
warmly embraced It, ard all the leading
statesmen of Great Britain have signitied
their cordial approval Of it. They fatter
themselves with The belief that the assent OF
the people Of Maine can be readily obtained
inasmuch Us that State would receive more
direct and substantial benefit from the scheme
than any Of tic Provinces. Furnishing The
harbora, upon some Of thetn-probably Fort
land-yculd concentrate the commerce OF the
extended confedesacy, rlvalling New York IN
its extent and building up city unrlTalled
il point Of size, wealth and influence. Induce
mcnts of this character, Lord Palmcrston be-
licyes. will prove irresistible with the people
Of Maine. At Washington it is thought the
scheme will encounter greater difficulties, but
eycn these arc not deemed insurmountable.
It is said that the true secret Of Lord Napler's
recall was to makcroom for man equal to the
undertaking. Lord Lyons it is thought will
prove fully up to tie emergency. But it Maine
should continue loyal 10 her present political
relations, and if Lord Lyons diplomacy
should not prove equal to the task imposed
upon him, then it is the intention Of Great
Britain to take Maine by force upon the prin-
ciplc laid down in the O.tend Manifesto m
der which We are TO seize upon Cuba some
one Of these days. Such is the scheme Tor
building up British Confederacy upon this
continent, extending from the Atlantic to tho
Pacific, which shall control the rich commerce
of the East, aud prove an effectual political
countcrprise TO the oycrshadowing power Of
the United States.
So much for what is contemplated at the
North. At the South, something Of 4 like
character is in contemplation by Spain. Louis
Napoleon, it is well known, has been no friend
Of the United States since the coup d eta: Of
1851. His influence at Madrid is powerful, and
lie is using it to fomcn: difficulties between us
and Spain. lie not only advises that Spain
present to the Cabinet at Washington 9 bill
of claims for expenses incurred in keeping
upa military and naval force in and around
Cuba to keep ont illibusteriug expeditions
from the United States, but also that she should
at once lay claim to the re-possession Of Flor
ida on account OF its proximity to Cuba ,and OF
the control which that Peninsula must always
have from its geographical position over thc
commerce Of Cuba with Mexico and tic Old
World.
Here thea wc have the programme Of Eng
land Spain, aud France, 50 far as it has yet
been made public, respecting this country.
Nc arc either to be traded or whirt out Of
Ma1ne on the North, and Of Florida
on the South. We are about TO
seize upon Cuba, two States Of Mex
leo, and perhaps one or more in
Central America upon the principles laid
down in the Ostcnd Manifesto. Those prin-
Piles are held to be just and equitable by the
Democratic party,-the ruling power in this
country. England and Spain, upon the same
principles, propose 10 annex Maine and Flor
ida. Wc are estoppel by our own theory,
and may very soon be by our own practice
also, from making any opposition. The pos
session Of Maine has become necessary 10 the
security and further development Of the
British possessions on this continent
Florida is equally necessary to the west
cru possessions Of Spain. Doubtless
those governments will offer the United
States fair compensation-but if that is re-
fused, they have no other resource but to
81 so in'' on the Ostcnd Manifesto and appeal
10 the god of battles.
We commend the Developments Of the Lon
don letter to the earnest consideration Of our
professional fillibustcrs aud " manifest dcsti-
N.Y. men. If the principles by whic; they
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nations, the "gcl-lorious bird Of freedom"
will bc likely to have quite as much to do for
the future IS it can well attend to.