The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-17
Canada and the Northern COnfederacy.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

MONTREAL, c. E, Feb. IL, 1861.
The recent overtures made by leading journals
and politicians the United States to union between
Canada and the Northern States exciting good deal
Of attention in the PROVINCE not that we have much to
complain Of in present relations with England, but
for many Of local well national character
The going in the Southern States and the
hopes Of peaceabe solution tothe question Of separation
between the two great sections of the American Union
have set the people Of this country to thinking seriously
whether may not be fitting time TO deliberate fu
ture and permanent state of national existence II is blu
natural that peoples living in contguity to each other
and possessing in the aggregate common interests and
similar institutions should seek common bond of social
political and commercial security Nothing but
ing political traditions, it may safely be affirmed
prevent such communities from arranging themselves
under common standard. In European countries these
traditions have possessed greater tenacy and force
from two principal causes-namey the ignorance Of the
masses and the peculiar forms Of government which
place the power of the State in q limited number Of
hands, who find their interest to support number
of little or great reigning families. In America
the condition Of things Is materially different Here the
power of the State everywhere the broad
of public opinion. Every feels that, though unit,
his vote influence has apprecabe weight in the
government of his country and hope TO rise
TO the dignity of statesman without studying the in
But, with all the advantages which England has conceded
to Canadians regard TO self government there is still
be found considerable class in this country who ad
here the traditions Of British control and sway. 1t
rot at all thing TO hear of ardent
permanent and strong British feelings haran guc at the
hustngs in favor Of maintaining intac the British
stitution in their PROVINCE &C.. though that consttu
ton had could become the principle of 60
vernment in a country possessing OF the elements
pecuiarities which gave existence in the mother
country.
Now nothing is better calculated to shake of such
utterly meaningless preudces and traditions than the
stirring events going in the various sections Of the
United States IL these events lead peaceablc solu
tion OF the present difficulties and the opposing elements
ousv ~ ans zach od M national s h
spectacle will be Of the grandest witnessed of
which we have any account in history There are thou
sands In this country who have looked the magnificent
drama enactng before them, and Of which they are
calm, though by means unnterested, spectators,
whose devout aspirations have been that the
rican people may set example TO the world, in
their breaking OF old combinations and the forming OF
Ones free from those disturbing and antithetical
elements should the present hroes OF the great repub
lie result in producing without resort TO the sword two
powerful confederacies, there will ultimately be nothing
lost, and possibly great gain. When that has been
compished in peaccabe manner-when this polti-
cal and territorial arrangement has been effected between
the present United Sateshe chief objection that the
people Of this country had TO joining confederacy OF
older States will have been renewed What chiefly
5uaDRed the annexation movement IN Canada eleven
years ago, the cry about joining union OF States
which required the extradition OF slaves. Let
the slave element be removed and then appeal 10
people may have chance Of receiving early response
This response will be the effective in consequence
OF certain local and family difficulties OF We,
too have union and disunion questions. Western
Canada s getting very FESTIVE under present system
of government, which virtually gives the balance OF
power 10 Eastern Canada where the French 60 nearly
In carrying out their policy, whilst
the Anglo Canadians seldom agree upon anything
Hence the idea of federation Of the British colonies,
order to 10 each section independent Legsa
ture has Of late been much discussed such idea will
vanish before the far brilliant destiny OF
becoming States Of great Northern conederacy, with
its capital located the borders OF Canada, If not in
Canada itself. Where, indeed, could more fitting place
be chosen for the capital Of such government than
the Of tho Niagara overlooking the mighty cataract
itself. II would matter little whether 1t were on the
right bank the left Its central position, It's ssubrity,
it's proximity 10 the great lakes abundant supply Of tho
finest water and approachabilty both by land and wa
render by far the best possible site for tho future
capital OF a great Northern confederacy.
IN ten years the Falls OF Niagara will be the
centre OF population commerce and all the important
elements required TO constitute first class nation Let
us see the matter stands 10 respect TO popua
ton