The sun., 1889-11-11
PREMIER MERc1Ee ON ANNEXATION.
He Says the Annexation sentIuaentis Grow.
ing In Canada.


BALTIMORE, Nov. 1O.-The Hon. Honorc
Mercier Prime Minister OF Quebec, is one OF
the delegates to the Catholic Centennial He
reached here yesterday morning and at once
went to the house Of the Cardinal From there
he went with Father Smith to Loyola College,
whore he Is now guest. Mr. Mercer Is q tall,
handsome. fne-looklnR man. and looks Us
though he was born 10 be q leader Of men.
His face ia Of the French type-dark, with n
heavy black moustache and dark eyes. ldis
head is covered with an abundant growth OF
hair, except about the forehead, where it has
begun to recede He speaks excellent English.
though there is a little odd accent about 1t,
and once In a long while a peculiar pronunca-
tion of word will be noticeable during con-
versation. Mr.. Mercier was asked II there was
much or any feeling in Canada favorable to
annexation. He replied slowly:
II think there Is considerable sentiment
toward annexation among the French Cana
dians."
us there any feeling on the subject among
the British Canadians"
"Yes, there is; but not TO tho extent that It
exists among the French Canadians"
do you think that the leaven is spreading
among the people 2"
This question the Prime Minister did not an
little hesitation, he said he thought the senti-
ment was growing. 1t had been said that Mr..
Mercier's visit was 10 create sympathy for the
Catholics in Quebec and to obtain the moral
support Of his co.religionists in the United
States. and thus strengthen his position in
Canada Mr.. Mercier was asked II his visit had
any Significance other than that he was merely
delegate to the centennial.
mo, not at all" was Mr.. MercIer's answer,
and he seemed rather surprised at the ques-
Mr. Mercier was asked Il he would tell some-
thing about the Jesuit Estate act, by which
100000 was paid to the yesuits by. the Gov
willing to do SO. but it would take too long
and there were so many points involved on
both sides that he could not do that - o.,.
In the United States do not understand tho
question. Why. when 5 go5 here found that
~, Hss y this bitter feeling and agitation died
"Yes. think so. 1t is becoming less and
agitation came from Ontario. TIE other prov
TSe to at not
large body numerically, but those who opposed
1t were influential and good class OF people.
In the province Of Ontario the opponents were
numerically large. and also influential peo-
ceeded in their agitat ion what could they have
Mr.. Mercier smiled. and said that that would
lead him too far into the subject.
Is there any truth In the talk that the
French Canadians desired or wished to set up
an independent government OF their own.
founded by themselves, and governed by them
No." said the Prime Minister. THE French
Canadians have no such idea. They do not
want to set up any nation for themselves A
large number OF them wish to continue as they
are now"
Well, then, as 1t stands now, a number OF
your people wish annexation to the United
States. or are favorable to it. and large num-
ber wish to remain as they are?"
Mr.. Mrcier hesitated. and said that that, too,
was not exactly 1t, and added:
large number OF influential citizens are
Whom asked II this class had any definite idea
Of what they wished to see accomplished. or
whether they just looked forward to q change.
hoping that something better would come out
Of ii, Mr. Ierciei- NJ a ss9s ~ p fJ !}A5s n
They look Forward 10 Independence. They
want to be independent Of Great Britain"
Mr.. Moroier said that the dispatches sent out
from Canada that the French Canadians dream
was to set up nation on the banks OF the st.
Lawrence, were sent by his enemies. or those
who were enemies Of the National party.
paid to the agents OF the Jesuits only the other
day, and now" he added. the $50 900 due the
Protestants is lying ready to be- paid to them.
They claim that according to the population,
the Protestants OF Quebec should be allowed
more than sec. 900. and when they prove that to
me will see that they have what is due them"
Mr.. Mercier was In the House OF Commons In
Canada in 1873. and held an Office under the
Jolly Government in 1879.