The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-04-27

Goodwin slni,i, on She aela .ous Of Can-
ada aad the Unitca States.
Blr. Goodwin Smith, who occupies place
in the regard OF the American people second
/ to chat of hardly any EngIishman, and who
is coming to this country to reside for some
yeals, lately made the following just and
striking comments on Canadian affairs in a
speech before the Manchester Reform Club
quite appreciate the objects with which
| our statesmen tried to form 4 Canadian Con-
| federation. have no doubt they meant to
90 What was right and best for both nations:
out l think they erred in not fully taking the
sense OF ali the colonies which they we're 90
mg TO combine in that Confederation |
think they erred in allowing themselves 10
take the results Of mixed elections as a suE
licient indication OF the popular win. Now
the consequence is seen. NOEa Scotia wishes
to break loose. What are we to do? five
repeal the act of Parliament as regards No
va Scotia the Canadians viii no doubt be
deeply offended, more especially as they
have been bribed into the Confederation by
this intercolonial railway. Hear! Hearil-
Ii, on the other hand, we try to hold the No
va Scotlans to the Confederation, and they
become very much exasperated, / am afraid
that they may lead to some differences be-
tween Us and tic United States. 1 am cen
vinced that the United States entertain no
design whatever against the independence of
the Canadians. l am convinced that they
will allow things to take their natural course
as regards Canada. II is impossible not to
see that The advantages OF the Union are
such that all neighborinS territories tend to
TAIL INTO 1t. 1t secures to all its members inter-
nal peace, external security, and internal free
tr2de-advantages which Cannot tail to at
tract toward it our colonies on its borders
But am convinced that the Americans
entertain no aggressive designs against the
Canadians. But, on the other hand, do
not feel sure chat they will permit any Eu-
ropean Power to coeIce any community on
that continent; and il we were to attempt TO
coerce the Nova Scohans, and compel them
to remain in aConteieration which they dis
like. do not feel at all sure that serious CON
sequences would not ensue; and l cannot
help thinking that this is one OF the symp-
toms OF the necessity of reconsidering our
colonial institutions. We cannot give-Par-
lament cannot give-suificient attention to
colonial concerns to enable it to regulate the
destinies OF these distant nations. A leading
Nova Scotian, writing to me, said that he
had been pres INT at the debate in the House
OF Lords, and that this confederation act, to
which he and his countrymen were SO hos-
tile, was carriei in a thin House, after a de
bate which seemed to him to show that the
debaters were really quite ignorant OF the
question on which they were talking. That
is almost inevitable in the case Of distant col
onies and [ cannot help thinking that this
affair will suggest to all who do not think
mere extent OF territory identical with hap
riuess and power the necessity of reviewing
that part OF QUE institutions.
In relation to his contemplated visit to
this country Mr.. Smith said:
That mention OF the American suggests to
me some kind words which were spoken by
Mr.. Condor as to my intention to reside for
some time in America. l really am sorry
that private intention of mind should,
without any fault of mine, have become pub
lie. l do not know how the information was
obtained; but it was published by story pa
per; L do know with what intention, whether
as mere sossip, or for what purpose; but it
was through no fault OF mine that ii was
made public. did not wish to obtrude my
private intentions on the world. l have on
ly to say that, wherever L 90, | shall remian
a good EngliShman Ihear, hearl, and that if
am settled in America, so far as my hum
bic endeayors will 90, shall endeavor TO
promote what believe tobe the best interests
OF both nations, and cordial friendship be-
tween this country and the United States.