The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-11

mnion government, backed and aided by
the government of tho British empire, had
built and extended an elaborate system OF
railroad from Halifax through Quebec,
Montreal and other important points To
Point Moddy, on the Pacific ocean, q dis
lance OF 3,270 miles, at II cost OF over $685.
| 600 600 and %, 900, 900 acres Of land. When
the Grand Trunk, with its 1904 miles,
costing over SOS, 900, 000 much of ii con-
tributed by the Dominion government,
was also considered, and that the whole OF
| this vast system was built us much for mil
itary and political purposes as for COM
merce, the folly OF our policy in regard TO
them would be apparent.
Fourth-Our government had, in the
exercise OF its clear legal right, 10 regulate
commerce, passed law which Justly
| enough limited the freedom OF our railroad
| corporations 10 manage their business, in
their own way, and mcasurably 10 protect
themselves against foreign competition.
Their hands were TO certain extent
bound while the Canadian roads were
| picking their pockets. Ii would therefore
seem 20 be no more than fair that Congress
| should cut of all the facilities which are
extended to Canadian railroads under Par
| agraph 5000, Revised Statutes. Article
XXX., OF the treaty OF 1871, and the rcgu-
lation OF the treasury department which
carry them into effect.
Fiith-But nasmuch ~ Article xxx.
had expired by limitation, and by the Presi-
dents proclamation II was no longer bind.
ing upon us as q rule of conduct, and for
paramount political reasons, IL should no
longer be our guido in determining our
course toward the Dominion OF Canada.
And our treasury department should be
prohibited from making any regulations 10
carry il into effect.
Sixth-Back OF these moro Obvious con.
siderations is the great question; Shall
we live in such relations with the Dominion
OF Canada and the British maritime
| provinces as 20 encourage them in their
| allegiance 10 the British crown and their
political union with the British empire, or
shall we NO manage our aiIhirs as 20 force
them ultimately 10 a political union with
us2 lie would not hesitate 10 declare that
many OF our best and most thoughtful cii-
zcns were coming 10 look upon the ex-
istencc OF Canada and the allied British
possessions in North America M con-
tinuous and growing menace 10 our peace
and prosperity, and that they should be
brought under the constitution and laws
OF our country M soon os possible, pencca-
bly, II II can be so arranged, but forcibly II
| we must.
Soventh-The dominion has 10, 773 miles
Of railroad, all Of which has been built un-
der British subsidies and most OF which
has been specially located 80 that II can be
used for military purposes against our en-
tire northern frontier.
| Eighth-lt Is we'll known that the st.
Lawrence and Wclland canals afford the
British government ample mcals Of filling
tho great lakes with gunboats on short
notice.
Ninih-It II also well known that while
the right Of free navigation had been con-
coded 10 us under the treaties, all vessels,
whether British or American, carrying
freight destined for points In tho United
States, were compelled 10 pay higher dues
than those carrying freight Tor tranship.
ment from Canadian ports 10 Europe.
Tenih-Upper and lower Canada af
iorded advantageous bases In great mum
her for military operations against ouI
most popuIous Interior towns and cities,
Elevcnth-The entire boundary line be
tween the British possessions aud our own
could h. crossed by boat or wagon, through
nearly every mile Of It's extent, every night
Of the year, by smugglos.
Twclith-Thc Dominion of Canada con.
tanned population Of 4,32i, $40 souls,
whom We might Justly disregard as pub.
lie enemy, but at the end OF twenty-five
years II would probably contain 20,OjO, 0OC
souls, whom Il would be exceedingly DIFF.
licult 20 oxpcl from an armed invasion oi
our border and impossible 30 prevent from
inflicting enormous damages upon our pco.
pie and possessions. II WIS no more than
common prudence for MS 10 lay down n
policy now which would make Ii perfectly
plain that We are aware Of the danger
which threatens us, and that there can be
no recipro,ityor commercial union between
us except under the law and constitution
Of the United States
Thirtccnth-It was self evident that II
we gave tho Canadians all they want OF
us without compelling them 10 come into
the Union, then they would he sure 10 stay
out OF II NO long as Great Britain would
save their bills. lend them money, suhsi.
dizc their enterprises, fight their battles
and distribute titles and honoB 10 their
leading men.
Gen. Wilson expressed the conviction
that the fisheries question ought not Ia be
settled upon any other basis than rccog.
milton Of equal rights. We had shared
In the effort which brought the fisheries
under British rule and an equal share In
them was our right.
The members Of the committee followed
Gen. Wilson's remarks closely throughout,
and further eyinccd their interest Ia the
subject by frequent questions. They
thanked him fof his clear presentation ol