The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-31
INDEPENDENCE DEMANDED.
Reasons Why the Colony Should
Act for Itself
COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
Statement Of an EX-AttOrney
General Of Quebec.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

Since my last letter have been ut Ottawa, where
independence, if spoken at all. must be mentioned
in whispers. But here too, the Canada First SEN
tment is deeply rooted. and the sentiment of
independence under that name finds many more sup
porters than ever before. To NEW YORK HERALD
correspondent talking treason is ticklsh business,
and people who believe in Canadian independence
have not the courage to say as they do in Mon
treal. where by the way. notice that they have
formed what they call Society of Political Economy.
have met several Of those who posted as to the
doings of that society, and though nearly
hundred members upon the roll and among
them Parliamentary representatives Of the people
and citizens OF all denominations, the Montreal
press except briefly noticing the dinner. has little
to say except giving the outline Of the OBJ
jects Of the society. Citizens who have lived
here say that had any public man, even
year ago. breathed word Of independence in
speech at public dinner he would have been
hustled out of public LIFE One young lawyer at the
dinner. who has been known all through his career
for Independence Of sentiment. remarked that he
was for Canada first. for Canada second and for
Canada always. matter whittier the preference led
him."
"How do you account for the absence OF public
opinion in the newspapers this question: asked
of one of the important persons who attended the
dinner.
INDEPENDENCE THE KEYNOTE.
IL expect that they all very much like
selves" the answer. ''They perhaps see moro
logic in the question than they care to ventilate.
Perhaps being in favor of it, they waiting to
see what will be done in the matter. You what
the Globe has said. There is mistakng their
meaning. They call it an annexation scheme and
denounce it as such"
Eyes; and that is the 1t has had from those
who have talked with me about it,"
''Oh. well. Of those present at the dinner
went quite far as that. They talked independence
as straightly Us men could talk it. Now, there
many questions discussed. For example. imperial
federation, trade relations with Great Britain,
Canada as colony, independence.
ton and Canadian commerce. But talk as
they might the whole tone Of the dis
cussion and applause certain to get back to
madam independence. ANY could by the
Applause that this the question. OF course
there were one or two present who seemed to favor
annexation most strongly. But independence really
was the premiere question and tell you it was
felt very strongly
"Well, what will come out Of the meeting and the
society?"
There is nothing to of it except free discus
sion of national questions or questions that affect
us as colonists. In fact. commencing to find
out that we must discuss future
"And the independence questlon-what Of thatY'
"It will come in along with the Iest have no
doubt. am sorry you are not going to be with US
very great while. You might attend our next din
ner anu discussion. You could then for yourself
and write more intelligently upon what you saw"
LOYAL CANADIANS.
"Well. I am somewhat surprised that have met
Canadians so passive over this business. When
was in Canada during the Fenian troubles would
have fancied there was not more loyal people on
the Continent. and even year ago l."
'Weil. they are" broke in my informant
eagerly. They are loyal to Canada, and there must
be no misapprehenslon that score. You must
not run away with the idea that we would fight
against CHEAT Britain for independence. We
have no grievance strong enough for that. But
what We claim is. that it would be better from any
point OF view the question is looked that there
should be Canadian Independence. Take own
ease. The country has long line of frontier de-
Tend in case had to help England in a quarrel
with the United States. Does any reasonable man
mean to tell me that we would have chance against
your 40.OO0,OO0 of people? Why. if every man.
woman and child were to be stood upon the frontier
they would hardly it, let alone defend it. The
rifed cannon and ammunition. What do we want
with rihed guns ammunition? We have no need
at all for them. Our country grows more and more
friendly to the American people every day, and we
them. Politically little afraid that they are
too smart for us, and might gobble up and leave
very little OF us. But we can get along very well
friends. and as an independent republic might
just do the very best thing to protect our
selves, and protection is the national policy at
present. Now look at the question from another
standpoint. You know very we'll that your govern
ment paid Great britain some s5.500.OOO for the
Yes. believe that ii the Canadians always drive
bargains as sharp that they need not be afraid of
American annexation.
A LAUGH AT UNCLE. SAM
a. yes, we mad really the laugh upon our side that
time. But wait little. Do you know that there
Is at this very moment very much strained point
OF diplomacy between France and England upon
this very fishery question:? The French govern
mcnt, when the deed of cession of Canada was &C.
oomplshed. reserved her rights to fish in certain
waters at Newfoundland. and every year a very large
French population goes over to the fishing grou nds
to avail themselves of their national privileges After
the Crimean war. when the questions settled
as to European treaties, the fisheries matter New
foundlaud was also pronounced upon and sup
posed to have been disposed Of But when the
British government made the treaty with France
then the French Minister instructed to tell the
British Ministry that they must not forget that
the French had fishery rights The British
Premier laughed the suggestion as one to
DC passed over lightly. But the Island of Cyprus
MAR happened just them and the French people
and press cvinced considerable jealousy They said
The English are taking everything Then MIR.
Waddington told Gladstone. You have sold
fisheries rights. We want share of the pro-
cceds.' And the English Premier is with that
dficult question just at time when he least cares
additional reason why. from imperial standpoint
Il would be advisable for England to let US set up
house for ourselves.
PECULIAR REASONING.
Ilien the Irish IN the United States very hos
make embarrassment tor England. How would It
be with four or five millions of Canadians formed
into an independent republicf They would act as q
balance to the hostile element, and, Joined along
with the great of friendly people In tho United
States, could not help cxerting an inhu-
ence favorable TO Great Britain. l be-
heve that. at present u source of
the greatest weakness to England. Three thou
sand miles away from her. Surprising she had a war
with Russia and attacked us here. What could she
dor notice that some one-Scnator Davis think
discusses the prospect OF Canada's defensive or
offensive position. and in interview with a re-
porter details the force could bring against tho
British government. That IL the talk oil q soldier
and ono who does not understand our position. We
could have part with demon STATIONS hostile to
the British government. There arcother means of
n tlQQq midi
sense cannot do t twill not be done at all We do
not want to ruin our country want to build IL
up. What ~ IL now7 God knows il Is almost pau
perism. IL we want to sell anything to the United
States we have to pay twenty five thirty to
do IT. Take corn aud horses and every article wo
trade in and the same Is true. our have do
prccatcd some iifty per cent, and real estate in
Montreal even IL also has deprecated"
what would independence do for your can see