Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-04-12
RICHMOND WING, WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL u, 1865
TRE CANADA DEFENCEs.
from the London Times, March 9s.l

| Every one must regret that it should be deemed
necessary to discuss the fertilization OF Canada
That war with America is probable we do not
believe. We repudate all sympathy with MT.
Henry Berkeley's anticipations, aud we put ASIDE
still more decsively the wilder prophecies OF Mr..
Peacocke. Our Ministers announce the continu-
ance of perfectly friendly relations with the Uni
ted States and the conduct of Mr.. Lincoln has
consistently shown desire to preserve perfect
amity between the two governments. Uniortu-
nately, there are times when the temper OF peo-
pie is too impulsve to be restrained by its rulers
and the territorial democracy of America has not
always been free from passionate resentment, la
BILE to be kindled into active anmosty. we are
forced TO contemplate possibilities well as prob
abilities Whatever may happen, England does
not desire to evade the obligations which may
be cast upon her. There will be no dispo-
for terrifying Canada account of its cost
illness. Evorylsentiment Of honor and justice binds
US to protect the colony. 1t is not merely because
the North American Provinces are parts of the
empire but because attack upon them can only
happen by way of retaliation for some alleged mis-
conduct of the mother country. The worst enemy
of the present Param ent cannot use it of Mig
gardli ness and if the plans prepared are worthy OF
adoption, the money will be readily forthcoming.
But the question remains whether the plans tnem-
selves can ever prove to be anything but deluson
AMI snare. If, when adopted and carried out in
of our force must be employed at every dlsadyan-
tage in fighting losing battle instead OF being
used where they can be really servlcea0le, the
conclusion then arrived at must De that the plans
had better never have been lopted at all. We
can now avoid the pain of making such discovery
too late.
from the London Army and Navy Gazette
But we are told the best way to defend Canada is
to attack the United States. Where is the heart of
the Federal States Because il that vital spot is
to be found and il we are ready to strike blow
at it, no harm can come to Montreal or Quebec-so
says our contemporary. There two hypothesis
to be satisfied before Canada be made safe, ac-
cording to this theory. Now, there is dim indl-
cation that the heart of the Federal Union is
supposed, by the Times, to lie somewhere about
the city of New York. OF course Boston and
Philadelphia are important in their degree but
as commerce is the one grand lever by which all
things are moved, New York has the largest
share of motive power, aud, therefore, is most
likely the important litc-giving centre by an at
tack on which the Times thinks Canada might
be rendered safe. Let us inquire, then, what
means there would be of conducting such an
attack successfully. New York. it must be remem-
bered, is the capital Of State containing more
than three millions Of people, within easy reach OF
every State of che Union, and defended by WORKS
Of the most formidable character. The government
would have the power of summoning every citizen
to its assistance, whereas they could not drait
man for the invasion of Canada; aud although we
have faith TO certain extent, in the iron-clad meet
Of the future, we confess it would not be without
some considerable misgivings We should see them
sent on an expedition up the torpedo-inieSted Wa
ters of the Hudson, the Patapsco, the Potomac or
the Delaware. In fact, few our advantages are
in connection with this We ved question, such poll
CIV as has been recon me nded to us, but which has
been so wisely repudiated, would transfer them to
the enemy.