New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-05-12
The Lakes, and War Talk on Them.


o. BOARD THE STEAMER GREcIAs May g, 1865
l This fine iron steamer is on its third trip
down the Lakes this season. The water is smooth. and
the boat glides at the rate of 10 miles hour Cd its
way cutting the broad sheet Of water with the velocity
lof great fish.
The Cedar Rapids and the Cascades have been let
Ibehind and now we are Lac ST. Louis. small but
fine sheet of water Among the young men on board
there is group engaged war talk and the defense
Canada is the thing discussed The spot over which
the boat is running In for fnl share OF atten-
1tion and will here write the ideas taken by the
party on board.
LAC ST. LOUIS
the last of the chain of lakes in going down to Mon
trea Into flows the Ottawa River. split in its course
by Isle Perrot which the Grand Trunk Rail-
road bridge from the east bank to the west This link
woud be a great object to defend in war. and at the
same time an equally great object to gain by an enemy
The command Of the lake would give to an enemy the
ability to land an army upon the head Of the island OF
Montreal and break this link thus isoatng the eastern
section Of the country and laying open to attack the
chief city Of the province.
For Lac ST. Louis then there would be, in the event
|of war sharp fight between two squadrons OF iron
clads or gun.boats. The water is generally smooth
|enough for monitors to act that strong force OF
roncads would settle the question Of the command OF
| the lakes.
II would be less difficult for Britain to get force Of
iron cads upon the lake than for the United States De-
cause the former could send them up through the Lac
chine Canal whereas the latter would have toran very
lght.dra monitors down the Rapids, or TO gain some
point on the south side Of the river and there put TO-
cether force of monitors sent overland in pieces.
From this it will be seen that Lac St. LOUIS would
H. nj f,roa Az fhQ spm
time it is equally likely that Ontario and the river.
down to the Cedars would be commanded by United
States naval force.
THE APPROACH TO MONTREAL.
1t is thought that AL enemy would move upon
Montreal By way of Rouses Point and that they would
try to pass the river point below the city, For
this reason the party in Canada talk OF throwing
up strong work the south head OK the Fcto-
ria Bridge This is one Of the works that are TO DO
made as soon as practicable and for Which sI"ooeV
/ have been voted by Parliament
Though work at that point would cover the bridge.
it would not serve defend the city or prevent an
enemy from crossing the river at points below
THE FEELING AS 10 WAR.
Most men in the west of Canada, who see now near
the country lies to the United States. the borders OK
the rivers being many points not more than o
distant each Other-dnu thcreiofe' ho" oPo" w
attack Canada would be-set their faces dead against
war a. ruin would be the certain issue OF it.
These men, who form the largest party. and certain
the most sensible party in Canads. desire to cultivate
friendly relations with the people Of the United States
In the party the bankers and all those interested
in trade The mass of the propery-holders also ara
with them-in fact all who have anything to lose arc
against war.
On the other hand the mass Of the young men who
have nothing to lose and have something to gain by
war are for it, These fill the ranks OF the Volunteer
Militia who are rampant for fght-that is. "sping
fight" The latter will probably see only war OF
words between the two people divided BY the line OF
40 n. Lat
If one may Judge then from the views taken OF the
results Of between the United States and Britain
BY the intelligent party board the Grecian. tho
peace will not be broken to please any party anu IN"
Rebel agents in the country. |C