The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-07-07
Annexation.

The annexation of the British American
colonies to the United States was opposed
by the slave interest previous to the war
The slave power was destroyed by the con-
fiict of arms, and now the interest OF Ame1ca
is the interest of the South. For many
reasons annexation is desirable. The four
millions of people, more or less. are hardy,
industrious, energetic, economical, infeiii-
gent. and could readily become good citizens
of our Republic. The undeveloped agri-
cultural and mineral resources ofthe country
are enormous. The timber in her vast pri-
meyal forests is almost inexhaustible, and
American manufacturers are already looking
outside our territory for supply. The St.
Lawrence river, bearing an immense Ameri-
can commerce, runs through Canada, and
would be closed in the event of a war, thus
crippling our trade. The cost of long line
of revenue officers and Notifications would
he saved to us by annexation; and in COM
mercial view it would be advantageous to
the United States to absorb this productive
country and people.
In Upper Canada large number of emf
grants from the States would gladly renew
their allegiance, if the American flag should
be extended over their new homes. The
enlistment of 5000 of them and their
neighbors in the army of the Union shows
their feeling The prosperity of all the PEG
pie depends more directly upon America
than upon England; for their trade is main
ly with us, and they stand in constant fear
of being destroyed by war between the
two nations. in which they would be the
battle ground. English capital fears to in
vest in Canadian enterprises for it might
be swallowed up in such strife. Cana
dians, living among stumps, in log
houses, in narrow clearings, who value
their land at s. or $40 an acre, step across
the line into New York. and find broad
fields, selling at $50 to 5000 per acre. owned
by gentlemen who live in fine houses as in
independently as princes. They see the diff
ference; and seek to remove the dividing
line.
Therefore the annexation party increases.
That part, is opposed by the English Off
Gals and the English aristocracy, who still
nurse their hatred of American liberty and
equality. Its strength is proved by the con-
tinual agitation of the subject in the colonial
press, and even in their parliament. To
overcome it the colonies were consolidated.
so as to give united government power to
defend itself against enemies at home or an
aggressive spirit on this side of the line.
But the Confederation has caused new dit
fculties. The people of Nova Scotia are in
great degree of French descent, and have
long sought to escape from British rule. Now
they are overshadowed by the more power
full Canadas, and are worse off than ever.
Under the reciprocity treaty their trade v 18th
Us was immense; but the expiration of that
treaty well nigh prohibits the trade and de-
stroys their industry. There seems no escape
but by annexation. Consequently the SUI
fering people adopt the proposition as their
only escape from ruin.
Would England consent 10 a separation
Her most liberal statesmen advocate the lib
Grafton of the colonies whenever the people
desire it. Whenever the annexationists
have majority their demands must it seems
to us, be acceded to. England fears war
with the United States, in which the colon
les must be lost after bloody conflict, and
hence would be the more ready to yield
peacefully. The benefits of the Reciprocity
treaty were mainly for the colonists. Let
the treaty not be renewed. Let the people
come to Us, and assist in civilizing the new
world and upholding democratic govern
ment, if they would share its advantages
When they petition for admittance, as We
oubt not they will. let them be received
into the Union with open arms.