American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1872-12-07
The Absorption of Canada.

The question of the annexation OF Cam
ada to the United States has lain dormant
for several years past. but dormant only,
for its agitation among the Canadian peO-
pie themselves is at any time likely to take
place. and take practical shape 90 well.
The Fenian raids had much t. do with
obstructing the course of calm controver-
sy on the subject of annexation. In the
bitterness of their wrath against the all-
thors of those abortive predatory raids
upon their territory our neighbors showed
a disposition to cOnfCund the American
people with the wretched fflfbusters who
attempted to make OF this soil base OF
hostile operations against Canada. A few
years have sdfficed to show the people
over the border that the American nation
harbOrs none but the kindliest feeling to-
wards them; that in their progress and
prosperity we find nothing whereof to be
Jealous but much to rejoice at and applaud.
If Canada should ever become nneXed to
the Great Republic it will only be after a
calm, peaceful consid ration of the mu-
tual benefits each is likely to derive from
the compact. Our g manifest destiny is
to be worked out by the logic of wise
and commanding example, by clear
showing to the nations around and to the
world that our form Of government is the
best adapted to secure the liberty and
promote the happiness Ofthe largest NUN.
Der of peOple-the best adapted to give
scope and encouragement to all the varied
energies and abilities of mankind. In the
brief duration of decade of years we
have demonstrated the tremendous in
herent strength of republican institutions
based on intelligence. We have drawn
upon us the envying attention of the
world and the scepticism of Europe in re-
gard to the stability of republican govern
mont, and its adaptability to a congrega-
tiles has given way to conviction, year
after year deepening into an article of
earnest faith among honest and independ-
ent thinkers, that government of the peO-
Pile. by the people, for the people is alone
consonant with the spirit and genius of
the age, and alone capable of securing a
full and perfect development OF mans Ca
liabilities.
Our neighbors, the Canadians, cannot
spectacle this Republic now presents to
the gaze of the world. They cannot fail
to see that the institutions of the United
States, more than the genius. of the peo-
pie. have made this Republic the wonder
of the earth. From Maine to Texas, from
the Pacific to the Atlantic, they may per-
ceive development of material resources
going on. hand in hand with cultivation
of art and science and a higher education
of the masses in the duties of citizenship.
that cannot bit strike them as something
worthy of study and imitation. The dues-
ton as to the annexation of Canada to this
country can only be decided when ma
jority of the Canadian people decree that
it is for their own best interests to form
part and parcel of the Republic. That
they will ultimately reach a conclusion
favorable to the incorporation of the Do
miniOn in the Republic is inevitable.
Canada is at a standstill to-day. She is
being drained. year after year, of the very
best of her skilled labor. As our cores
pondents inform us, the immigration from
the Dominion into the northern p TT Ct
this State and into all the States bordering
on the lakes and the River ST. Lawrence
is visibly increasing. Skilled labor is an
important element in the material pros
perity of any country. 1t is valuable be-
cause it is difficult to replace. In maIy
factories of our own State and i'm most of
those in New England Canadian opera
tives may be found. attracted llither by Il
higher scale of wages than obtains in their
own country and by the prospect of Il
wider field for their industry. a drain
like this or population of limited MUM
hers must tell disastrOusly in the long
run. American capital would flow freely
into Canada and help to develop many of
It's great natural resources if. the two
countries had common nationality.
Canadians know this; and the peO-
pie of Canada will do well to take up and
seriously consider the thousand advanta-
ges that would accrue to them from an
neXation to the United States.-N. r.
HeyuII Nom IL