The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-09-06
We DON'T WANT CANADA.

/ 1here are those who rejoice IN the
present appearance of strained relations
between the U9Ited States and Canada,
because they think they see in it a chznce
for the annexation of Canada. Blu, this
feeling and hope We believe is shared in
by few. Such thing is hardly practical
Die as it is certainly not desirable. We
/ believe it well for cur nation to be Dor
dered On its northern and southern
/ boundaries by other nalionali,ies. There
is noting SO characteristic OF q progress
sive people as their distinctive national
ity. Germany and France are COMPARE
lively small territorial nations: yet think of
their power and influence. And nothing
! goes so far TO create this as national
jealousy and rivalry, which in turn reacts
| upon the people, creating patriotism
intense love of country. Let one nation
control a continent, separate it from all
other nations by thrse thousand miles of
water and by as much as you destroy the
friction of that nation against opposing
nations, by that much you destroy the
national spirit and sentiment of patriot
ism in thst nation. There may remain
pride because of vast territory, glory
of riches and commercial importance,
| bur there is little of that keen
zest in national power and none of
that feeling with which the Frenchmsn
loves France, or that binds the German to
his Fatherland. We do not desire to as
simulate either Canada or Mexico. So far
as trade relations go it is better for Us to
treat with them as nations than as states
of the union. AS TO territory, heaven
knows We have enough for centuries to
come.
But, as to its possibility, We think those
who dream of Canadian annexation see
much more in their dreams than waking
moments will give shape to. Canada
cannot afford to cut loose from the
United States, az her carrying trade must,
from the DEGREES of the natural conforma-
ton of the territory, come to her for the
most part through and over our territory.
Again, her climate makes her dependent
largely upon the products of oar country.
She would be too great sufferer in at
tempting such suicidal policy. The
goods carried to ard from her territory in
the last six years over United States soil
are valued at two hundred and seventy
million dollars. Can that nation dispense
yearly with forty-fve million dollars
worth of goods she has been accustomed
to using? If not, can she successfully
get them in and out of her country with.
out crossing American soil? We cannot
see how there can be any question as
TO the solution of the proposition pre-
sented by the president. The values at
issue in such determination are of too
great Importance to ALLOW them to be i'm
periled by the matters in dispute which
are of much less moment. Justice to
American fishermen ard the American car
ryipg trade in Canadian waters can be
yielded by Canada without sacrifice of Can
adam honor and with pecuniary loss in.
comparable to that outlined as following
Canadian refusal to the presidents de-
mands. If the presidents policy were
followed out, doubtless loss would be en-
tailed, and heavy less upon some Ameri-
can interests. But this result will not be
reached, as the Csnnucks are too wise
people to foolishly stand upon bubble
and by stubbornly refusing Justice incur
heavy penalty. The United States does
not need nor want Canadian territory to
piece out the union to the north, and to
those who dream of such thing, dissp-
POINTING mt is due, both from United States
aversion to the idea and the good, bard
sense of the Canadians, which will bring
them to do the right thing by US.
The statement Is vouched for that there
is mora lumber lying beneath railroad
rails in this country to-day than III al the
buildings in the country twenty five years
old. Such a statement means very great