Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-10-08
Annexation Talk.

A correspondent of the New York Sun,
writing from Nova Scotia, says: 1T is
now common thing in Halifax, Var
mouth and other Nova Scotia towns to
hear words of desire for union with the
United States expressed with boldness
that no one would have dared to employ
before the present excitement began. A
certain Halifax paper directly represent
ing the present Canadian control tries to
prove that only few people entertain
this sentiment. But anybody can easily
see that the feeling is widespread and
some of the most Influential men in the
province declare that unless England
takes a course she is not expected to- it
affords the only way out OF the present
troubles" Such sentiment as this shows
that, so far from the relations between
the Dominion and the maritime provinces
having been amicably adjusted, there is
still bitterness OF feeling and
desire for change on the part OF
the provinces which can hardly be
appeased without some more radical con-
cessions than have yet been made, or are
likely to be made. The question therefore
arises, whether, in case the province of
Nova Scotia should apply for annexation
I to the United States, it would be for the
best interests of our government to grant
the petition.
There is evidently no particular anxiety
on the patt OF the American people for
the extension of our domain. For the
present it is quite large enough
as it $50 large, in fact, that
there is vet abundant opportunity
for exploration. and even discovery,
as witness the present expedition Of Lieut..
Schwatka in Alaska. But if our domain
is to be extended, there certainly would
be an advantage in annexing such terri
tory as is inhabited by citizens OF our own
race, almost equally advanced with our
selves in material prosperity and mental
culture. We have no doubt that event
ually all OF British America will be an.
neXed to the United States, the enormous
growth and prosperity of our own nation
rendering it impossible that any foreign
power should long retain control of so large
portion of the North American continent
Whether the present however, is favor
able time to begin such process of acces-
cession is doubtful Our government is
hardly prepared as yet to undertake the
control of any larger extent of territory
than we now have. There are also great
national questions, affecting seriously all
the territory under control of the United
States, which should be definitely and
permanently settled before any further ac-
cessions are made. Under such circum-
stances 1t seems to us unwise that the tend
ency OF Nova Scotia to Withdraw from the
control of the Dominion of Canada and
seek an annexation with the United
States should be encouraged
So far as Great Britain is concerned, the
withdrawal OF the American maritime
provinces would probably meet with no
serious opposition, England has more ter
ritory under her control on this continent
to-day than she desires, and it seems to he
the general opinion among English states
men and writers that Topping off OF the
more remote American branches would
be benefit to the parent trunk. AT all
events, the future annexation OF Nova
Scotia and the other British provinces. IS
by no means an impossibility or even az
improbabillty.