The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-08-13
The Speech Of MIR. Dorion in The canaai..-
Parliament.


The Speech Of MIR. Dorion in The canadi...
Parliament.
The events daily transpiring in the Canadaa
Parliament, which are reproduced in our
columns by special kilograms, are of very
significant character, and all tend pointedly
towards annexation to the United States II is
evident that the times are out OF joint in tho
British possessions. The liberal party appear
to comprehend the defenceless position of
Canada, and read Alright the policy Of the
Imperial government to leave the colonies
to their own resources. This was very clearly
indicated in the remarkable speech OF Mr.
Dorion In Parliament on Friday, when he de-
clared that the defences Of Canada were worth
less against the power Of the United States:
that - money expended upon them could
have sscn as appropriately used by throwing it
into the Ottawa river, and that the mother
country had determined not to furnish either
men, money or arms for the protection Of the
provinces. And yet in the face Of these facts
Canada has the impudence to ask that England
shall pay . share of he expenses incurred by
the French raid. The drift of Mr.. Dorion's
speech can hardly be mistaken. II means that
the only protection for Canada Is to he
found In connection with this country. His
sentiments are naturally regarded as rcvolu-
tlonafy by the confederation party, and hence
an attempt was made TO silence him by the ad.
vocates Of that faction. But he was sustained
by the liberal side Of the house, of which thu
speaker has long been an influential member
Mr.. Dorlo1 represents the young men OF
Canada of progressive ideas. He is regarded ~
an advanced liberal and has generally occupied
leading position in the opposition, though hs
once filed place In the Ministry under Sicotte
for short period. He is lawyer OF some
dis inc,ion and enjoys great personal influence
with men Of all political parties. His speech
has, therefore, some weight, not 30 much
from the position OF the speaker, perhaps,
as from the response which its sentiments evi-
IDENTIFY meet with in the popular mind. While
the strong remarks Of Mr.. Chambers, which We
have previously noticed, may be explained
away on party grounds or otherwise, there is
no mistakng the tenor Of Mr.. D0rons words,
representing as they do the general feeling Of
the progressive liberal party Of Canada.
In view Of the present condition Of things
in the Am erican provinces of Great Britain.
does it not occur 70 her statesmen that her
greatest strength lies in Capitalization OF power
within the British Islands. England has ex-
tended her dominion all over the world, prin-
cipauy in lnsular territory, scattered here and
there in every ocean. These sma Ter island
s.fongholds may be Of some value toher mari
time commerce, but If she should release her
American possessions and the vast island Of Aus
tralia from imperial rule, and permit them 10
govern themselves, these countries would be-
come vastly more prosperous; their resources
would be developed with greater rspidity than
under the present system, and England would
secure in them allies more beneficial in time OF
need than they can ever prove as depend
encies. This would be wise statesmanship,
but we do not expect to see it adopted. How
ever, judging from the chaotic condition Of
political affairs in Canada, IL Is not at all i'm
probable that the future destiny Of that colony
win be decided without consultation with the
home government. It Is not matter Of vital
importance 10 US which way the Canadians de-
eide whether for confederation or annexation;
but it b nevertheless interesting to watch how
affairs are drifting on the other side df the &.
Lawrence.