New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-12-17
J.. !, q. oovslnmsSt ana [bat ha, worked Saan 8,


A strenuous protest against confederation vas
lately sent to England by the minority in Parliament
the chief argument in which vas that the scheme
had not been submitted to the people, who, OF course
have right to express their will in such matter.
The only effect this protest has had upon the English
Government "a TO induce the Colonial Minister,
Lord Carnayon, to assume nOn-committai tone;
but his Government is in favor OF Coniedera'
ton, for we learn that it has given the dele
gates assurances Of the favor with which
it looks, not only upon this question, but upon
the general policy of the Union party OF British
North America. In fact, 1t is understood III Can
ada that the late English Government started the
idea Of confederation as means to prevent the aD-
sorption of the provinces by this Republic ofcourse
therefore the scheme will meet with favor where the
idea originated.
The Republican party, on the othOr hand wishes
for independence, or, If that cannot De- annex
alton to the United States. For religious reasons,
the French. Canadian part Of tho body do not very
we'll like the idea Of snnexation; but they would
prefer it to a continuance Of British domination. AS
a State Of this Union, Lower Canada would have lts
government, in which the Frenoh-Canadan element
would greatly predominate, and, of course the con-
troll of affairs would fall into their hands which Is
what they want.
The things wanted to render annexation more pop
ular in Canada are guarantee that the new States
should not be obliged to assumed part OF the pubic
debt of this country that the privileges OF the Cath
Ole clergy should not be meddled with, aud that tue
present Internal Revenue taxes should not be imposed
OF course the acquired States would be willing 70
assume their public debt Git amounts TO about 3d.
600 OOO expended for the most part in public works.
as State debts.
Canada is now strongly occupied By some Of The
best troops Of the British army. including ten or
twelve ieldbstteries OF beaoh-louding guns, one o.
which Gems Sherman and Meade. in their lato
visit TO the Province took the trouble to sXamas.
They found the gun to be a terrible wolso1 OF
destruction in the hands Of skilliul men. Ils
force is posted in all tho cities from east % vest
the largest body being in Montreal, as TO most
important point. The troops servo tbree-toh p1r.
poses First, they protect the Province; second they
disseminate loyal feelings and third they renew Che
old feeling of dependence upon Britain.
Although Canada : VOL secured BY tao presence Of
these troops, il lies open 70 tho attack Of an army
from this country, and ti probable that 10000 men
could overrun he Province, as far east % Quebec
In the space OF two months. Con Michel, tho Com
mander Of the Forces, lolely declared that Mon
treal would fall into tio bands OF On
enemy (reiering TO the United SlateO 10
"two weeks, time, though this could not be,
Montreal being covered on The 3os.h and west SIDES
By two rapid rivors (the s.. Lawrence and Ottawa
each one mile TO one and a half miles vide. aud,
fighting behind these $1,000 mon would be match
for IOO OO0 the more SO Il a5 h 5 tho army Of lsenSe
were strong in good artillery There IS no point
on tho south aud west sides Of tho Island Of Montreal
| where pontoon bridge could be laid over tho two
great rivers referred TO- In the face Of all this, bow.
ever. Montreal could perhaps DO takcn in six weeks
Tho feeling of the people toward tho United States
Government ia not very friendly at present owing 70
,hs belief that Il did not exert oil ia authority 10 stop
the late raid Still, thcro Is large party who lre not
unlriendly 10 this country, and would readily live IN
! der the dag. The influence Of the United States
! goyeument in Canada ia now great aud increasing.
Al tho people feel ther growing strength and import
ance. the sentiment toward England becomes more
indepenlent and there Is a large part Of tho popu!a
ton who actually dislike The form Of English Govern
ment, aad the looking up 10 tho Executive "a
the master (or mistress) Of tho people. when,
in point Of fact, the people are the ruling BODY and
/ tL5 Executive Is their paid agent The impartlrnnce
or nsoienc, Of some English OFFICIALS who como ont to
Canada with hs IDEA Tat everybody nd everything
thoro i, inferior also tends 2 eauee dislike It must
DO SAIL however that Of this class are iewor than
they we're. the English having thS fear Of another
colonial loss before theireyes.
The future of Canada. II the Province be allowed to
go into confederation, will DO great, though II can
never be as great that Of the United Ssss thoto
being no soa-boari Of any consequence. aud Il
being found impractieabo TO establish Winter port
| Should the Province become one Of tho States Of
this Union it would deyive the advantage Of an ntu
sion Of capital aud men Of enterprise, and perhaps
attain degree of prosperity that could not be realized
under confederation Canada ia still rich in timber,
mA its mines Of copper, etc, are only touched.
There i5 some gold also, IN the country and it 10
the best furmarket on this Continent Moreover,
Canada has tho outlet TO tho ocean for the pro-
duets Of tho far West. The capital IL Canada
I. large the bank Of Montreal aono having q capital
Of $50 900 900, in most part paid up. but it - en-
plOyod too cautiously II goes 20 discount tho notes
Of the dry goods hardware aud grocery trades. while
ia the West ml.owners receive sOno credits. but,
az to the mines etc. thoy may lie as they ore, except
a few copper mines on Lake Superior.
AFHg - a.