The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-08-24
Annexation Sentiment In Canada.

Any ono who travels across Canada from
sea to seq gets the notion that II such natural
barriers existed between tho States OF Eu-
rupo as those which separate the several
parts OF tho Dominion, thero would be fewer
complications 10 Continental politics. 1t is
not natural barriers, but differences OF ma
tionality and business interests that mako
the Inhabitants of tho Maritime Provinces,
Quebec apd Ontario. almost distinct
peoples. But these eastern provinces.
divided among themselves as they arc,
have no easy and natural connection with
the regions west OF thom. They arc sepa-
rated from the great grain and grazing re-
gions by an immense wilderness Of stunted
timber and scrub, 80 poor in soil that it is
worthless save for the minerals it may con-
tain. Tho express trains are two days and
three nights passing through this unbroken
wilderness, which Is always destined to DO
thinly inhabited; and after crossing the vast
pruirles beyond. the traveller must climb
and descend thrcs great mountain ranges
making Journey long enough to take him
from New York to Chicago before he reaches
tho habtabls portions Of British Columbia
BY this time he has a vivid impression Of
tho physical basis upon which GOODWIN
SMITH rests his assertion that tho several
portions OF tho Dominion arc moro closely
allied to tho cont suous parts Of the United
States than to ono another.
The traveller. therefore, Is not surprised
10 find that each OF these widely severed
sections, regarding its special interests as
paramount, largely shapes It's Views Of na-
iional policy accordingly. Manitoba, for
Instance. 10 earnestly striving to secure no
tlonal aid for the Hudson Bay railroad prof
cot, which Is laughed at IN some other purts
Of tho Dominion and has had moro than ono
reverse in Parliament. In most parts Of
Canada tho people say the ties which bind
ihem politically to England arc based purely
upon sentiment. hut In tho large towns Of
british Columbia tho merchants arc hoping
to-day that tho imperial Government will
givn Thorn substantial advantages In the
why Of subsidies to steamship lines, and
thus promote the development Of their ship
ping interests.
It Is we'll known that thereis largo party
IN tho Maritime Provinces which firmly be-
lisves that It's interests would b. greatly
promoted by political union with tho United
States. British Columbia Is undoubtedly
that part OF the Dominion whore the least
annexation sentiment exists, and which, in
Its chief town, Victoria Is more English In
appearance and feeling than any other part
Of tho Dominion. Candid Canadians readily
admit that tho annexation sontlment Is
Saining ground, but they add that the chief
ccntres OF its growth are In widely separated
regions, tho Maritime Provinces OF tho At
lantic and tho great country OF tho future.
Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.
What tho vast plain region needs most OF
al Is mon and women. While $500 for
eignerS came to mako their homoe with us In
the last ten years. only the merest rivulet
Of immigration has flowed into Canada,
There 10 no part OF the Dominion which feels
this slight 30 keenly as the grain and stock
raising West II one asks Intelligent Mani
tol,ans why Canada ID not getting her share
Of tho newcomers, half OF them will answer:
"In tho frst place most immigrants from
Europe think they are going to have better
opportunities under a republican form OF
government They do not think OF US as q
aclf-governing people, but see only our con-
motion with Q European monarchy. At
tho very outset, therefore, their attention Is
naturally turned to the United States and
We are neglected, though we have millions
of acres Of the best lands to give away"
There is ono idea that is growing in the
Canadian Northwest. and 1t Is certain to
strengthen and internally the annexation
sentiment already to DO found there That
idea is that II Manitoba and the Northwest
Territories were apart Of tho Vsited States