The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-12-10


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Dominion of Canada.
The Parliament of the Dominion has at last
reached the discussion of two measures of
considerable Importance. These are the hills
foy the Incorporation of Rupert's Land and
the Northwest Territory with Canada. and
for the construction of the Intercolonial Rail-
way. The first Of these measures was waim-
ly debated on Saturday last. The strongest
argument in favor of the adoption of the gov
ernment policy on this question was made by
Mr.. Hrrrison who after pointing out the ex j..
tent and agricultural capabilities of the coun-
try, showed how the United States attracts
immigration by means Of its fertile prairie
lands, ard that the possession of the North
West would enable Canada to compete on
fair terms in that matter. At present, said
he, we have but forest lands, which deter the
poorer class Of immigrants. Tine moral pow
er we would aequi,e by possessing country
half the size of Russia would be very great,
and delay would be dangerous, as the Ameri-
cans were eager to get hold of that country
aye, and no doubt, willing to pay well for
what we were to get for very little. The
measure was opposed by Mr.. Howe and 9th
ers on the grounds of economy and the pes
sure OF other interests more important The
circumstances demanded first the settlement
OF the Dominion and the development of its
resources, rather than the acquisition of more
territory. In response Mr.. Cartier on the
part OF the Government, made the somewhat
significant announcement that importants state
reasons required immediate dealing with tle
Northwest question. Final action on the
subject is not yet reached. s.I Il
The resolutions in reference to the Inter
colonial Railway simply authorize the ap-
pOintmentby the Privy Council of two COM
missioners to whom conjointly with two to be
appointed by the Imperial Government, shall
be committed the duty of carrying out the
provisions of the Union Act in regard to the
railway, and provide ior the borrowing of the
money. Ministers ask authority to borrow
four millions stering-three millions with the
Imperial guarantee, and another million with
out it, But the discussions turn largely on
the question of the route On this point, as
well as in the designation OF the commission,
the Ministry decline to commit themselves.
Toe many contending interests are involved
not to make the ultimate decision, whatever it
may be, cause OF heart-burning and jea-
ouSy. Three routes have been proposed-ope
along the American and Canadian frontier
line; the other, called the Northern route,
skirting the Gulf of st. Lawrence, and the
central route-between the two. OF these
the frontier line, it's admitted, would he the
most profitable, as it passes through thickly
populated region, atlording rich traffic. But
its contiguity to the boundary of this State
brings it into Gisfavor for military reasons; as
IN case OF war between this country and Can
ada it would be liable to destruction. The
Central line furnishes the best aceommoda-
tion to commercial and business interests but
the North shore route has the favor of the
Government The Opposition papers declare
that this route is preferred by the officials be-
cause IL will cost the most money, and will,
therefore, give the Government of Canadathe
expenditure of amuch larger sum than ii any
other route had been chosen. The st. John
Globe scouts at the idea of military consider
ations. /. says:
Ii there is anything at all-which we doubt
sery much--tO be said for the Inter colonial
Railway as Il military work, it can only be
said for the frontier line, where the road may
be made available for the defence OF the from
tier. placed away back at the North it will
in no way prevent the country from being
overiun by an invading army. 70 so place it
for military purposes would be as wise as a
general defending the lear of his fort, but
leaving its front open TO the entrance OF the
enemy.
As we have before had occasion to remark
when speaking o. the subject Of Notifications,
the people of Canada will best consult their
interests by the cultivation of intimate and
amicable commercial relations with the Uni
ted States. If they choose to back their rail-
road UP to HudsOn's Bay or the North Pole
ior the purpose Of getting it out of the reach
OF Uncle Sam, they are of course at liberty to
do SO, but IN case of war they would hardly
find much advantage in so doing. A line of
railroad built on commercial rather than mil
itary principles, running as near the frontier
as is consistent with the business accommo
dation Of the Canadians, and yet affolding
some share of its facilities TO the people of
this side, would, by associating the business
Interests of people of the two sections,
do more TO secure peace and safety than
any military work they can possibly construct.
But those who have the management OF the
thing are not likely to see it in that light :.
There wasa interesting debate the other day,
on Mr.. Mills Bill to prevent dual representa-
tion. The Ministers opposed il ON the ground
that it infringed upon the Constitution,
abridged the liberties of the people, and was
premature, as no practical evil had yet arisen
from members being elected to both General
and Local Tarliaments. Bill finally with
drawn.