The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1865-07-27
Canadians vs. Hon. John F. Potter.

EDITORS SENTINEL
Our neighboIs over the line seem TO be
working themselves into quite little furort
over the remarks of John f. Potter, at De-
troit, during the session of the Commercial
Convention held in that city few days
since.
They not only charge him with plotting
sedition and treason against the crown, but
they call for his removal from the office of
Consul General in Canada.
Now what is all this hullaboo about P
What is the occasion of all this buster and
bad blood
Mr. Potter hasn't said anything to Can
adians so far as | can learn either upon the
subject OF their institutions, the reciprocity
treaty or the annexation of their country to
ours. 1t is true, during the session of the
convention meeting of the ''Amercan del
egates at the convention" was called at the
Detroit Board Of Trade Room, early one
morning ''to hear few remarks from the
Hon. John L. Potter, our Consul General TO
Canada" but it is not to be supposed tn ere
were any of Her Majesty's subjects present,
as none but ''dmerjcan Delegates to lie Con-
0eatiOD" acere 6aeUtted; and for any but Amer
lean delegates to have appeared, under such
intrusion but it would have been violation
of the cOmmOnest rules of social intercourse
and good breeding. If there were any Can
adams present, under this Invitation, and
they saw fit to take umbrage at MIR. Potter's
remarks on this occasion, and afterwards to
critcise and denounce them, thew can onIv
do SO at the sacrifice OF honor and self-re-
spect.
The remarks were not addressed to Can.
adlans--they were not invited and not ex.
pecttCCdd to be present; and if our neighbors
desire to discuss Mr.. Potter's views int en-
ded for and submitted privately to his coun.
try men, from this stand point, they are al
liberty to do SO. We think, however, theil
cause will not be greatly advanced by sucf
a course.
Now what did Mr. Potter say to the
American delegates who were invited tt
hear him speak ?
He merely said he thought it would bt
for the interest of this Government to take
no action towards the formation of another
treaty with Great Britain; that if the pres
ent treaty was allowed to run out. and nc
other formed to take its place, it would not
In his opinion, be two years before Canals
would be knocking at the door of this Gov
ernment for lamentations; and this he Sale
was not only his opinion but it was tn,
opinion of many of the very best citizens o.
Canada.
He further said, in the frankest and kind
est spirit as every Canadian will testify, il
any such were present, that he would dc
nothing, either by word or deed, to cause a
separation OF the Provinces of Great Britain
at the same time he said, as a citizen Of
the United States, he would do nothing to
prevent Canada from applying for aunexa-
ton to this country if she saw it was for her
interest SO to do, and should do it of her own
free will and accord; and establishing anoth
er Reciprocity Treaty he thought would be
instituting such prevention.
Now is there anything for Canadians to
take offence at Has it come to this that
an American Consul cau't confer privately
in regard to the interests of his own gov
eminent, and express to bis own country
men his own opinions as to what he consid-
ers for the interest of his own government.
without being removed from his office be
cause his views thus expressed are contrary
to those OF the people or nation to which he
is accredited l@F
We will see.-MIl. Sentinel af-.