, 1877-04-01


The Toronto GI0Ie has received dispatc
from London, which was printed in on
Inst issue, to the effect that Prof. GoLDw1
SMITH has written an article III the Fort
nightly Rccse1c, leading organ Of Englisl
opinion, devoted to proving the desirabilit,
OF union of Canada with the United States
and setting forth the economical, political
commercial, and diplomatic advantages O
such an annexation. Although the time i:
not yet ripe for such union, the day il
coming when the subject will be taken Ut
and discussed very fully and freely. Wher
our domestic matters are settled when the
Southern question is SO completely laid al
rest that the South bears the same relation
to the Union as the East and the West ;
methods which now lead us into danger ut
every Presidential election when We have
! reformed the evils of our Ciril-Service sys-
tenn, and the administration of the Gov
! ernment commends itself more favorably
to our neighbors, then this movement fore
shadowed by GOODWIN SMITH will COM
menco to take deep root in Canadn. For
some time past there has been no
disposition on the part Of the mother coun-
| try to prevent or oppose such scheme.
! Since the close of the War the English have
| realized as they never did before the ability
Of the American Republic to improyise u
vast army capable Of meeting the armies Of
many or Russia, and appreciate how useless
it would be for Great Britain to try and de-
fend Canada in case Of rupture. It was
this knowledge that formed the cogent argu-
ment in settling the Alabama case. Canada
is their vulnerable point. The rest of their
territory is isolated, and so surrounded by
water as to be easily guarded by their fleets,
which are vastly stronger than ours
They virtually admit that, while Canada
holds her presons relations, they are under
bonds to keep the peace, and that while we
are in O position to strike their territory at
any time they must succumb to our de-
mands. They cannot defend Canada, and
all that the Canadians conld do would be
feeble and impotent against giant I:epublic
with ten times their fighting power. Hither-
to the Canadians themselves have declined
any closer political alliance with us
for several good reasons. In the
first place, they were always violent
opponents of slavery, and they not only will
ingiy but cordially made their country the
terminus Of the Underground Railway, aud
offered protection and hospitality to the fugi-
tives that sought them in their flight from
Southern task-masters in the second place,
it could not be expected that they would not
DO eager to unite themselves with Republic
SO constantly excited and harassed, and in
such frequent hazard of disruption, owing to
the unsettled condition of questions growing
out of the War. There is, however, no
doubt Of the fact that when our affairs have
become permanently settled this union will |
be OF benefit both to them and to US.
The points made by GOODWIN SAITH, es-
pecially the assertion that the market Of the |
Canadians is here, are undoubtedly true. The
economical advantages would be immense.
It would save tho enormous expense of main
tanning Custom-H Houses all along the border to
prevent smuggling It would cheaper every
thing on both sides. Instead of beinga menace
to England, it would increase the friends of
England by incorporating with the Americans
who are not hostile to the English thousands
Of Canadians who have the warmest friend
ship for them and are attached to them BY
les Of blood and religion. As matter Of
'act Canada is already partially annexed to
his country. Every year she has more and
more followed American systems, methods,
md ideas. Her commercial, railroad, and
ANAL systems are devised with reference to
'ur trade. Montreal is substantially IN out
ct OF American commerce. She is gradually |
Stimulating everything to our standard and
ust so long as this process goes on she is
'eing gradually absorbed and in substance
; anne1ing herself to US. She is already
hree-fourths the way into the Republic.
ust 80 soon as We perfect our system 80 J
INT they will feel it for their interest to '
ONE in, the slender igament connecting
hem with England will be severed. The '
lovement will progress in u natural way. =
1cept in case of q war with England there =
no disposition upon the part of the Amer a
ans to seize Canada or to annex her against .
er will The natural current Of events will q
ring Canada into the United States. Moth e
lg con hinder it. Il