The New York herald., 1862-01-03

Tue FRIGHT OF rn CANADIANS SUBsIDNo.---
As soon a. rupture between England and the
United States seemed imminent, the Canadians
were terribly alarmed. A complete panic
seized them, and they began to make the most
ludicrous preparations for resisting the invasion
Of the Yankees. The release Of Mason and Sill
dell as sappearsby their journals, has broughtjoy
to their hearts. They knew that, in the event
of war, their soil would be the battle field, and
they would have to suffer like the people Of
Virginia Missouri saa Kentucky They were
well aware they could not invade the Northern
States, but would themselves be invaded, and
the fighting would be all on their side of the
border. Hence they were alarmed, and hence
their furry, excitement and confusion when the
Northern States were cool and calm,
from the consciousness of their own security
and power. Again, the danger of divi-
sion among themselves was developed. The
friends of the United States and democratic
government were sufficiently numerous to
create serious alarm; for if war between Eng
land and the American republic were once in
augurated, it would be the signal for insurreo-
ton and civil war in Canada. ..,....
1t is no wonder, therefore, that on receipt Of
the news of Mr.. Seward consenting to release
Mason and Slidell, the Montreal papers burst
out into the most exuherant strains Of rejoicing.
The Witness of the S0th says:-"For the last
fortnight Canada has been passing through
war in anticipation. War, even in anticipation.
is fearful thing, and the assurance of peace
xuos 70 ayor,y raHaok;onr
mind" The Montreal Herald of the 30th has
an article to the same effect. II says:-"We
have never printed any piece of news with go
much pleasure as the announcement which
reached us on Saturday night" After the first
relief, however, reflection suggested that the
danger was not entirely past, and, accordingly,
next day (the 3lsD we find the fears
of the Montreal Herald again conjurng
up scenes OF war and blood. While in long
article protesting the most pacific intentions,
and showing that the interests of both countries
are entirely on the side Of peace, that both
wrongfully accused each other of desiring and
fomenting war, it yet "imputes all the evil Of
this unfortunate state of things to the govern
ment of the United States" 1t contends that
the captves should have been given up at
once Tie delay destroys the grace of the act.'
Notwithstanding the peaceful disposition of the
writer, the article warns the reader that it is
only the immediate prospect of war that is
terminated by the surrender of Mason and
Slidel;" for, in despite of the mutual desire for
peace, war is likely to break out at last.
The following representation is significant
enough '.'.'.'-''''''.
It must not bo forgotten that war and peace cannot be
thus separated from all other considerations II tho
prcscut Southern couederacy hold Its own for Ger
tain length Of time those most hostile TO must admit
that must receive national recognition The blockade
presents another subject Of conflict which, in spite
wishes both sides, may, from, tho clashng
Of interests lead These contingencies which
may have most sinister dsveoremcnt
The Montreal Gazette is frightened from its
propriety because the policy Of the Northern
press is to crush out the Southern rebellion
first, and attend to Canada and the British empire
afterwards II says:-"The danger Of war came
very nigh US (Canadians), and we were almost
wholly unprepared for it." +" The people Of
the United States will feel the surrender to be
a humiliation and an aggression to be revenged."
$50 long as they are armed (half a million of
men under arms), we must be armed also and
prepared for all contingencies"
1t is thus evident that the Canadians, although
greatly relieved from anxiety and terror by the
release Of Mason and Slidell are still haunted
with underlined visions of war, and are trem-
bling lest the instructive selfshness and greed of
the mother country should sacrifice them to her
interests or ambition.