Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-02-14
The Now Dominion.

Harper's Weekly thus sets forth the troubles
of our neighbors across the Line, under the
New Dominion:
Seven months of patient waiting have been
barren Of those extraordinary advantages
which were promised to these unwilling
partners in the magnificent scheme.
Taken as unit the Confederation has
lost ground. Its business has suffered, Its
revenues have diminished, and its expenses
have increased Labor is a drug, wages are
reduced. poverty pinches, and emigration is
depopulating large districts. Respecting
Canada herself (that Is, the present Provinces
Of Ontario and Quebec) she derives from the
Union the unquestionable advantage ofthe as
sistance Of the Lower Provinces in paying
her enormous debts. Her manufactures en-
ter into successful competition with those of
the Lower Provinces and she not only COM
pels her neighbors to purchase her manufac-
lures. but her -four also. She grabs all their
surplus revenue through the central Office at
the seat of government, and reaps the benefit
Of the disbursement of the public moneys
for salaries and the expenses of the general
government at Ottawa. Politically, Canada
has gained nothing, for the strife between
PARTIES representing the double nationality Of
its people still continues; only the questions
in dispute have taken new shape-and per
haps the more Objectionable one of annexa-
ton TO the United States.
But the discord that most threatens to
break up the imperfectly formed union has
its seat in the Lower Provinces. One Of
these New Brunswick) entered into the al
lance against her firm convictions and after
reconsideration Of negative vote Nova
Scotia was dragged in by force. The COM
pulsJry change in the circumstances Of these
two provinces is well calculated to excite dis
content, rebellion. and threatened secession.
For many years they had enjoyed a remarka-
bic degree of prosperity and exemption from
the financial burdens Of other peoples-se-
cure in their chartered rights, enjoying an
elective franchise and responsible govern
ment as benefcent as those of the adjoining
Republic. Free from debt and taxation. with
their own Custom-houses and their low tar
ifs, applying themselves with thrift and Ell
terprise to the development of their exhaust
less resources and the establishment Of inter
nal steam communication, they had gradual
" acquired a wealth and condition of ease
that made them enyiable. Since ISIS their
internal improvements equaled in cost and
| usefulness those Of the entire previous half
| century. Railroads and steamers connected
all the provinces, and extended to the United
States. 50 as to facilitate commercial inter
course in every possible way. Consequently.
Yankee capital poured in abundantly, and
was so largely invested in mining and manu-
| features that it threatened soon to control
those important interests. Americans We're
foremost in almost every enterprise The
| prospect was fattering.
The repeal Of the Reciprocity Treaty in
fiicted serious injury, and crushed many
speculative ventures in the bud. What iniu-
~ that measure failed 10 infiict COniedeu-
ton has accomplished. The coal product Of
Nova Scotia has fallen off hr2-thirds since
1866 the gold mining interest is almost ara
dead stand; ship-building Is very dull, and
general industry Is paralyzed workmcn are
demanding higher wages starving fisher
men are appealing 10 the Government for re-
lief money is tighter THANH ever was before ::
real estate Is inactive, and commerce Ian
guishes. Only few weeks ago, four lines
Of steamers running from Halifax to foreign
ports were temporarily suspended for lack of
support. Besides, an obnoxious postal bill
Is soon to 20 into effect, and Is per cent
tariff on the necessaries of life knowledge
is 70 be severely taxed. there is to be tax on
newspapers, a Is per cent duty on printing
paper, and a - per cent. duty on types Is
it strange that the Bluenoses kick under such
unfamiliar burdens? or will it he queer if
they should incline to weigh their loyalty on
the scale of high tariffs?
Bad as the prospect was in the commence
ment, the proyincials were disposed to give
Confederation a fair trial, but now that all
their predictions Of evil are more than reali-
zed, it isno wonder that they become FESTIVE
and threatening, or that they are emigrating
to the United States TO an extent so alarm
ing as to command the attention of Parlia-
mcnt