Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-03-30
LATER FROM EUROPE.
ANOTHER DEBATE IN THE BRITISH PAR
LAMENT ON THE DEFENSEs OF CANA
DA-GENERAL NEWS.

DA-GENERAL NEWS.
We have European advices to the 18th inst. The
most interesting feature of the news is the follow
ing sketch of a
DEBATE ON THE PROBABILITY OF WAR WITH THE
UNITED STATES.
In the House of Commons, on the 18th inst Mr..
Fitzgerald called attention the report of Colonel
Jeryois with reference to the defences OF Canada,
and asked for information. Amer clearing himself
from false imputations in taking this course, and
discIaiming any Intention TO attribute to the Fede-
raj Government, or to the people generally, spir-
il of hostility towards England, he suggested
tain possible contingencies which might lead TO
hostiities between England and the United States,
aud against which we should not shut our eyes,
disregard certain proposal made during the recent
conference between the Confederate agents and the
Federal authorities. Under these circumstances,
1t was OF importance TO look to the defence OF Cana
da upon which, in the event of war, the first blow
would fall and no one would advise that the colony
should be left to defend itself, he proceeded
TO consider what we're its means of defence, and
what il should be our duty to contribute towards
its defences. He asked what steps had been taken
to carry ont Colonel Jcryois proposals and to aug
ment the defensive resources of Canada. He CON-
pared the activity of the Americans in certifying all
their valuable points with the apathy manifested by
us in altogether negecting the defences of our
MOST Valuable pOlult Ohnauhs nc lHOuBut VIC OuKHt
to come to immediate understanding with Gsn-
ada as to the proportion this country should bear
OF the cost of its means of defence. Mr.. Forster
said that the real question was whether there was
sufficient reason for increasing Canada's means OF
defence at all. He believed that the fears Of hos
tilitieS on the part Of the United States un-
reasonable and utterly foundless. He protested
against rushing into enormous expense for the
defence OF Canada.
Mr.. Cardwen said he could assure the Honse,
without reserve, that relations with the United
States continued to be perfectly friendly. Those
who went 10 war with Canada went to war with Eng
land. The Government were prepared to do their
part in the defense of Canada.
Mr.. Disraeli avowed his opinion that were in
no immediate danger Of coHlipg into collision with
America, because he believed the Americans were
sagacious people and not likely to engage in
another struggle with foreign Power. He thought
Canada should be put into proper state of de-
fence.
Mr.. Lowe said the question was, what should be
done il Canada was the battle field in case of war;
Tho most eiectua course in such an event would be
to concentrate a force upon some other point His
conclusion, therefore, was that it would be unwse
to retain any force worth speaking of in Canada
We had better let Canada ksoSy che truth, and
buoy her up with false expectations while we pro-
voked America with standing menace. The wisest
course would be to Withdraw our troops at once.
Mr.. Watkin observed that the way to prevent
Canada, but to declare that it was part of the
British empire, and that we were prepared to de-
fend il.
Lord ElchO thought that the course Mr.. Lowe
had suggested practical and sensible one.
Mr.. Ayrton thought the best way to protect Cana
da was to preserve proper relations with the Uni
ted States, instead of which, causes of irritation
had arisen.
Mr.. Bright said the question was at once impor-
tant and delicate. II perfectly well known that
there was no power whatever in the United King
dom to defend successfully Canada against Ameri-
ca. What, he said, would the people of England
have said II they had suffered az the Americans
have suffered from the Alabama He believed there
was war party in America-the Irish party but
this was the only war party. The root of all these
unfortunate circumstances was feeling Of jealousy
entertained in England toward the American ma
ton-a feeling which would not overthrow the de-
crees of nature.
Lord PalmerstOn denied that there existed in
England jealousy Of America No doubt during
the contest now going ON in America, there was q
feeling of irritation In both North and South that
this country, third party, had not espoused their
cause ; but he believed that among the great bulk
of the people Of the United States there was good
feeling toward England, and when the present con-
test was over that natural feeling would prevail
over any temporary irritation. But this was no
reason why We should not place our American Col
ones in state Of defence. He could not agree
with Mr.. Lowe, and it not the intention of the
Government to follow his advice. He added, in
conclusion, that the relations of the two Govern
ments were perfectly friendly.