New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-02


SENATOR SHERMAN ABOUT CANADA.
Senator Sherman's emphatic declaration in
favor of political union with Canada, and the
statement Of his reasons for believing that the
change has now become practicable submit to
the serious consideration Of the people OF this
Nation and of Canada a great question which
can ultimately be settled in only one way. 1t
is of the last importance to reasonable dls-
cuSsion of the question to remember that
scarcely single clear-headed statesman OF
Great Britain expects the Dominion OF Canada
to remain forever in n position of dependence
upon the British Crown; that no intelligent
American has doubted for years that the In
terests of the Canadian people would ultimately
lead them to desire political union with the
United States; and that the people of this
country, while scrupulously refraining from
any eff ort to influence or hasten the develop
ment Of Canadian opinion, have at all times
been and are generally disposed to meet with
warm welcome any movement OF Canadian
opinion and feeling in the direction of political
union.
Having these facts in mind all will see that
the real issue is one of Canadian preference
There has never been any doubt that Canada
would be welcomed If it should ever wish to
enter the Union. Nor have thoughtful men
on either side of the ocean supposed it possible
for Great Britain to prevent or even seriously
to oppose such union, if it were really desired
by the Canadian people. For the dullest Brit
ISL statesman would be compelled to realize
that the wish Of Canada would inevitably pre-
81 hiatt needless delay
by Great Britain, if the wish Of the Canadian
people were once clearly expressed, would only
nfict permanent injury upon British CONNER
cial and financial interests
The wish Of the Canadian people-everything
will turn upon that. If they continue for
generation or for a century to prefer political
separation, whether as colony Of Great Britain
or as an independent power separation 1t Will
be. Bat there are many reasons for believing
that the people of Canada will not long prefer
separation. 1t is to be remembered that it is a
question of majOntieS, not Of dollars or Of
Offices. Whenever a large majority of the Ca
madam voters feel that their personal interests
require political union all the power Of Govern
mcnt officials. all the influence of $500, 100000
of British capital invested in Canada will not
avail But such influences may long avail to
prevent a conviction of the people in favor Of
any change.
These influences are strong, and there is
another to which Senator Sherman refers. which
may prove even stronger. About one-third of
the population of Canada, it is stated is of
French blood and speech and of Catholic belief
As Frenchmen these people are drawn toward
union with the United States in preference to
dependence upon England. But as Jealous adj
hercntS Of the Catholic faith they are likely to
be Influenced against policy which would de-
prize their Church Of large privileges. Sen
ator Sherman says that these privileges are
incompatible with the American political sys-
tenn" and that the French Canadians cling to
their church privileges, and will surrender
them reluctantly. These privileges were the
price Of their adhesion to the Dominion. They
will not be willing to bargain less shrewdy
with the United States" Presumably, the
Senator is not to be understood as willing to
assent to any bargaining by which this Nation
would uphold privileges " incompatible with
its political system" But the Catholic Church
does not lack freedom or development in this
country, and exceptional privileges are there
fore not vital to its great prosperity.
Every man who labors in Canada knows that
his wages would rise as the inevitable cOnse-
quence Of political union. The change would
add to the value of every acre of land, of every
tree that waits for the lumberman, Of every
horse or cow or sheep Of every foot of every
mine in Canadas eXhaustless store. That is
the influence which will in the end sway
great many Canadian voters. But it is for
+ban, +o CIV whether as ypt the advantages of
political union seem to them to outweigh other