New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-12-31
1NNEXITION

British Columbia can only have one ternlha-
ton will add nothing to the general conviction
of manifest destiny. Nevertheless it is
thought which ought now to be uttered within
hearing of the English Government, and by
some ono whose judgments of our political
geography have right to such an audience
The comments of Mr.. Sumner on the petition
of the British Columbians announce without
preiudicc foregone conclusion that ought by
this time to be as familiar to Engshmen as
to ourselves. The petitioners, let it be under
stood, as heartily disclaim aversion to England
in seeking annexation to the United States as
we do in entertaining their just, rational, and
natural complaint
British Columbia is VIGOROUSLY depOpulated'
overtaxed, and falsely isolated. She supports,
or fails to support, royalty appointed Cover
nor at salary larger than that OF the fresi-
dent of the United States, along with debt
largely out of proportion to her infant means
and dwarfed capacity. Less than ten thousand
whites remain with her of population that
once counted twice or thrice that number The
Dominion tariff, unnatura.ly opposed to that
of the United States, only works ruin to SUCH
an anomaly as Columbia at present Is. her
coal. lumber and fish are denied their only
available market, and population, her greatest
need, cannot be attracted or imported now
it is plain that the Confederation TO when
Earl Granville proposes to unite this cast
away colony can supply neither trade nor
population, for these are Canada's own pecu-
liar wants. The LOO miles which lie between
Toronto and Fort Garry in the Red River
country, and the 1883 miles between Halifax
and British Columbia, afford measure OF the
territorial difficulties which have presented
themselves TO the British Dominion IN Amer
lea. To carry on great banking business
with view to-establish railroads over the en-
tire continent yet upon no better basis than
failing trade aud q deficient population, would
be rash venture. But unless the capital OF
England will throw itself into the breach be-
tween Canada and British Columbia, and build
a railroad over it, we hardly see how the lat
ter can be prevented from cohering to the
United States
The existing connection, or want OF con-
nection. between Columbia and Canada is
political absurdty. The government 10y which
this absurlIty is maintained Is foreign TO the
people of Columbia, simply because, however
loyal their desires, it is burdensome, clumsy,
and wholly poweress TO affect their interest
for good. Counting taxes and salaries aud
the whole colony is exhausted under its gov
eminent, and is little moro than pas
ture for officials and the few Others
who crop it's scant products. Yet 1t
is obvious, as Mr.. Seward has taken occasion
90 tell the Columbians, that they have no in
tercst which is not the interest Of Oregon and
Washington. The trouble is, however, that
English possession practically shuts them out
from neghborhood, alliance, and trade of all
kinds. Uhder such circumstances, TO ask Co
umbia to join her fortunes to those of Canada
is only attempting TO give new name to an
old misery. Ii is asking hunger TO wed with
thirst.
The authorities at Washington Will be con-
tent to wait for the effect of the petition of the
Columbians upon the advisers of the Queen;
but they are bound ut the same time, TO give
more than selfish heed TO the prayer that they
"will endeavor to induce Her Majesty to con-
Z" sent TO the transfer Of British Columbia to
"the United States 1t is a natural and most
reasonable request, and when the fitting Oc-
cason shall arrive is worth an endeavor as
natural and as reasonable. Should Earl Gran
vile dismiss the petition with the same non
chalance as that with which he treated q
late threat of the New-Zealanders to
secede the Columbians will have found their
sufficient answer; but this is not at all proba-
bic. az should be exceedingly sorry" declares
Earl Granville, "to see England deprived of
"all her colonies; but this country will never
"attempt to retain them by brute force" The
cool Earl may cherish the belief that the bonds
which unite the colonies to England are too
strong to be broken; but here, at least, Is CO.
lumba most Loyalty pleading for annexation.
Evidently we have some natural guarantees of
home growth for all outstanding claims; but
should we finally accept Columbia wo should
perhaps in reality, by so doing, confer nm oblga-
ton upon England rather than take from her
a prize.