The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-03
PRINCE REWARD ISLAND.
Overtures for Admission Into
the Dominion Of Canada.
PAST AND PRESENT FROl 0SALs FOR UNION.
The Lands Of an English Colony in
Possession Of AbSentees.
Effect of Financial E,ln-
barra SsmcntS.
Loyalty to the Throne and At
tachment to Republicanisn.
A FISHERY DIFFICULTY AVOIDED.
Canada Compact and to Extend
from Ocean to Ocean.
Effect of Financial Eln-
barra s,SmcntS.
Loyalty to the Throne and At
tachment to Republicanism.
A FISHERY DIFFICULTY AVOIDED.
Canada Compact and to Extend
from Ocean to Ocean.

Canada Compact and to Extend
from Ocean to Ocean.
CuARLorrErowS, p. e. l., March 20, 1878.
The Dominion oil Canada "a entering upor new
aud important phase or its existence. Ncwfound-
land and Prince Edward Island, which guard the
entrance to the Gulf OF st. Lawrcncs. now exhibit
decided signs OF desire to join the confederation
Since 1857, when the new Power under Britisn
protection, was established on tho American Con-
tinent IL has had many serious difficulties to over
oomc From the frst the maritime provinces de-
sired to form political union ON their own hook,
and en- tered inte consultation for that end. Nova
Scotia and Now Brunswick wore gained
by granting large monetary concessions,
In the face strong opposition on the part Of their
Inhabitants, VINO are ut this date, after nearly SIX
years experience, far from being satisfied with
their stuation British Columbia consented to come
In By an agreement to construct railroad to the
Pacific which is Intended topass nearly its entire
length, through ,an unnnabited wilderness. and
the proposed construction Of which turns out to
Do one OF the most disturbing elements In the
politics Of the Dominion. Manitoba submitted TO
incorporation after civil war and an expensive
military expedition to the territory; and the trans
Ter of the Huds0n's Bay country and Rupert's Land
was accomplished on conditions which we're &C.
cepted by the Canadians with exceedingly bad
grace. but delays were thought dangerous There
was considerable trouble and alarm before
the matter was settled: but the hardy fish
ermen Of Newfoundland and Prince Edward
Island were deaf to all 0verturcs and have ro-
NAMED separate and independent colonies subject
to no civil power the Continent OF America. The
security and completeness OF the Dominion make
their acquisitions necessity. and all the influence
OF the mother country has been ineoctual to bring
them into tho Union. A change has now taken
place.
CONFLICTING INTERESTS OF THE PROVINCES
The interests OF the maritime provinces arc not
identical with these of.lanada. Annexation to the
United States has been with q considerable party
I'm them more agreeable than absorption in the Do
minton, and the two great works OF public improve
ment-the Intercolonisl and the Pacific railroads
are considered Of no Importance In Newfeund-
land and Prince Edward Island save in the
matter Of increased taxation. In 1869 the
Governor General Sir Join Young lord Lis
gar) made q proposition to the two col
Onies having regard to their special interests,
for their admission into the confcderacy. Resolu.
lutiens were passed In the Dominion Parliament
providing for their incorporation. and the Legisla
tors OF Ne wfouAdand also adopted similar resolu-
lions. But reference to the people there as well
rs IN Prince Edward Island they were rejected ~
an Overwhelming maje.ity. so matters remained
mp to two months ago.
LAND MONOPOLY GRIEVANCE.
Prince Edward Island labors under q grievous
evil caused by the existence OF crown land grants.
1t Is said that had the natural advantages Of this
colony been turned TO proper account 1t might
nave been At this time the granary OF all the
British American possessons. instead OF barely
supporting q poor and limited population. or
nearly 100000 acres, which it contains only 10000
are unfit for the plough. but only 900, 900
are under cultivation. The origin OF this
etste OF things Is ascribcd to the iniu-
dicious grants made to absentee prorrietors
under conditions totally dsregsrdlng the welfare
Of the people. Tie absentee proprietors neither
Improve the land nsr let others improve 1t. They
retain 1t and keep 1t in state OF unpr oductveness
Thu Dominion government IN 1889 made 1t con-
diion that no negotiations should be entered into
which might involve Canada in dispute respecting
thesc proprietary rights Before stating the
changes that have taken place the island during
fhe past four years 1t may DO well to set forth
bhe terms offered % an inducement to JOIN the Do
minion.
THE TERMS OFFERED.
Canada proposed to be caargeabls with all The
debts and liabilities OF the island ct the time Of
union; to dcfray all charges connected with Gus
toms. postal service, protection Of fisheries, mill
$ary, &C. pay salaries OF Governor and the Judges
provide steam service between the island and
the Dominion, 80 as to place the prev
inoe in constant communication with the Inter-
colonial Railroad and assume all expenses;
thu Dominion government to make half yearly
payments OF interest at the rate OF FIVE per cent
uirerencs between actual amount Of inhabitants
Per head OF population ~ allowed Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick, or the pay
ment OF such difference In i've per cent
bonds, taking the population OF 1861 as the basis;
the Dominion to pay t25,C0) annually to meet ex-
penses OF local government, and an annual subsidy
OF eighty cents per head OF population, to be aug
mented in proportion to increase Of Inhabitants in
ful settlement of all future demands for local pur-
po.ce The further consideration was that no ex-
port duties were to bc levied unless oil the staple
products OF the country taxcd the transfer to
she general Parliament or the powers OF taxation,
and all rights to mines, numerals fisheries,
Forests ungranted lands, coinage, &C.; pro-
gfding, however, the colonists should re.
tain the right OF opening, constructing and
controlling roads and bridges through pub
tic lands subject to the general laws to be enacted
on the subject. These terms, also offered to New
foundand, were, as stated above, rejected by the
two colonies
spECrAL EFFORT FOR REcoNCnIATIoS.
Another cfo:t was made later towards csncia-
Zion. Special advantages not offered other colo
lnists. but also proposition for relieving Prince
Edward Island from the burdensome and vexa-
Itieus land tenure were proposed. The Dominion
Prvy Council declared, with the approval OF the
fhome government, "Much discomfort has for many
years existed among the inhabitants OF the island,
arising from the fact that the lands OF the colony had
been granted By the imperial government in large
blocks and chiefly to persons residing abroad thus
seaving to the government Of the island no lands,
the proceeds Of the sales OF which could in other
colonies. be applied towards local Improvements
and tie maintenance or the government. This
,hiscontent increased from the fact that many OF
che settlers can only obtain land on lease, instead