The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-03-12

banded soldiers, who have not yet acoommo-
dated themselves to the ways OF peace.
Or skilful officers there would also be no lack;
for the officers who served in our civil war find
il more difficult to sink into quiet citizens that
the common soldiers. Besides, .he sentiment
ot manifest destiny" In which the American
people have grown up has always yearned for
Canada, and expected It's ultimate annexation.
The same feeling which set the popular heart on
fire in oil the States on the border at the time
OF the "Patriot War; would mako the Fenian
invasion popular with large masses OF our peo.
pie. All these incentives would be stimulated
by our indignant sense of English injuries dur
ing the Southern Rebellion. ..r
With so many elements of danger known to
the Canadians, and magnihed by uncertainty, it
is natural that they should be struck with con-
sternation,. and fly about with crazy haste, to
ward of the expected blow. The whole male
population Of the provinces Is swarming to the
frontier. In the cities like Toronto, the soldiers
are billeted upon the citizens, for want of bar
racks to shelter them. The prevailing darkness
as to the point where they will be needed, makes
it uncertain whether they will remain an hour
or month. All the locomotives in the Pro-
vlnces we're kept fred up last Friday to be ready,
at momentt warning to transport troops to
the as yet invisible scene Of conflict.
The Toronto Globe called upon President
JOHNSON, on Friday, to interpose the authority
of our Government for the protection of Cana
da. IL thinks the Canadians ought not to be
put to the expense of money and blood necessary
for repelling an invasion from our side of the
line. II declares that, II we stand inactive, 1t
will be an unhandsome requital for the friendly
action OF the Canadian Government during our
civil war! We do not estimate our obligations
OF gratitude at quite so high a rate. Although
Canada was full Of refugees aud rebels during
the war, the Canadian Government never stirred
hand nor foot to restrain them till after the st.
Adams raid; nor even then but upon menace
and compulslon. When General DIX published
his order threatening to take redress into our
own hands, and our Government established
passport system which destroyed the business of
NIv.nv- H. 1.sw.
ment was at length reminded of the duties OF
good neighborhood. 1t did nothing for preven-
ton until it had become necessary to do some
thing for redress.
The Canadians will have no reason to complain,
If we follow the same rule. As yet, we have no
certainty that it is not after all, comedy, in
stead OF tragedy, which the Fenans are re-
hearsil with such infinite hustle OF preparation.
Possibly there may be no invasion at all; posi-
bly, none has ever been intended. The whole
thing may be o stupendous practical Joke, to set
the British dominions in tutter. 1t may be a
vast scheme OF cupldity to 6ll the pockets and
give notorety to the names of the Fenian digni-
taries. Our Government would cut ridiculous
figure If ipshould play the part of chief dupe in
the Fenian comedy, by sending an array of
troops to the border to protect Canada against
an imaginary danger. But, then, it may mean
work; it may mean war; But in that case, it is
lust that the precautionary expenses should be
borne by those tor whose safety the precautions
are taken.
Our Government will probably wait, as the
Canadian Government waited, till some overt
act, like the st. Adams raid, is committed; and
then 1t will not stay for correction and menaces,
but will enforce lis laws by its own voluntary
sense of justice.
The only warlike thing yet done by the Ameri-
can Fenians is the collection OF tunds but surely
no Canaoian-much less any Enslishman-wili
have the face to complain that our Government
permits tnis During our war, large Confede-
rate fund was kept in the Canadian banks, under
the protection of the Canadian laws. From that
fund constant disbursements were made, in pay
ment Of hostile services against the United
States. In ENGLAND subscriptions and contribu-
tions were publicly raised in aid of the Rebel
cause, without censure or interference. Arms
were openly furnished, and the construction and
equipment of vessels secretly eonnived at, till
imminent danger of war with the United
States quickened the vigilance of the British
authorities. In this matter of international obli-
cations the Canadians and the British must use
the same system of weights and measures in
buying as in selling. 1t is the equitable doctrine
OF the Gospel that "with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured unto you again"