The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-09-02
The Decline OF Canadn.

Inc Canadians nre surprised, disappointed,
and even chagrlned by the results OF tho
census Of tho Dominion, which were pub
lished last week. Between 1871 and 1881 the
gain In population was over II per cent. Be-
tween 1881 aud 1891 It has been III per cent.
The population OF the older provinces has
boon almost at n standstill. Ontario and Que
boo have increased only 9. CO and . SO per cent.
respectively. The gain in Nova Scotia has been
barely per cent. In the ten years since 1881
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
have merely held their own. The most con-
Dpicuous increase has been in the north
west. but even there 1T has been actually
small as compared with the growth to which
we are accustomed on this side of tho border
Tho disappointment of the Canadians is
the keener because tho Dominion Govern
ment made extraordinary efforts during the
last ten years to stimulate immigration and
succeeded 80 far as to bring In moro than
$4,000 foreigners. Yot tho gain in popu!a-
ton according to the census Is only about
half million. 1t Is obvious that the great
majority OF the newcomers passed over tho
border to us. In seeking to draw immigra-
tion to itself tho Donation has swollen
the stream which pours into this country
far more than 1t has secured new settlers
for Its own territory. In all its moro popu-
lous provinces 1t Is not holding even its
natural increase. Along with the imml-
grants brought over from Europe by many
Inducements n steadily augmcnting num-
Der Of the Canadians themselves cmigrate to
the United States to take advantage OF tho
greater opportunities for employment which
our larger anu more varied prosperity
offers. In other words we gain far more
population from Canada than it gains for
itself, though 1t usea every effort to win
new settlers, ana we make no effort to draw
tho Canadians or any other Foreigners to
our territory. They come hithcr OF their
own motion and because 1t is for their inter-
est to come. II they leave Canada. of course
1t IL for the reason that they can do better
for themselves in the republic.
Tho indications Of this last census are that
the Canadian emigration in our favor was
greater during tho last ten years than ever
before. Tho returns show that the rate OF
increase OF tho population Is declining and
declining greatly, and the decrease is likely
to continue. Instead OF competing with us,
Canada is helping our growth. Instead
OF keeping step with our progress,
It is falling behind moro and more,
and is becoming more and moro
Insignificant as compared with us.
1t Is now and undeveloped country,
with symptoms Of decreptitude MS marked
as those which appear In an old and fully
developed country. 1t has no future OF
progress and prosperity to which it can
louk forward. AS an independent Govern
mont beside this growing and multiplying
republic 1t Inns no chance. Relatively to us
1t becomes less and less. After oil its pro-
diglous expenditures to attract population
and stimulate trade it has in all its brond
all told. less population than
single State OF tho Union extending from
tho Atlantic totho Pacific.
Canadians. in their modification over such
q result. arc questioning tho wisdom OF the
policy Of the Government 30 far MS concerns
its trade relations with us. "Docs the phe-
asks the Toronto Globe, Sustain
the theory that we are living under the best
OF oil trade policies I"
But there Is no policy which cur savo
Canada from retrogrcssion SO long as
1t continues apart from the United States.
II that separation continues, the decline In
the ratio Of increase OF population from over
II per cent. between 1871 and 1881 to III
per cent during the next decade Is likely
to DO continuous In tho next century.
Tho future offers no hope which tho
arc compelled to face tho gloomy
They have loaded themselves
with debt to secure progress and prosperity,
and yet, except In tho northwest, they are
still. Their richest provinces arc
tho most stagnant.
OF course. this state Of things cannot con-
tlnue. The Canadians will not submit to
such sacrifice to maintain separate colo
Mai existence when they can gain real indie
pendence and sovereignty and secure mate
rial prosperity by uniting with people
akin to themselves. and with whom expe-
riencs shows that they cannot compete.
Tho only policy that can cave Canada Is
that OF annexation to the American Union.
France, Italy, and the Papacy.
The Italian Government is far from
pleased at the Pope's approval OF the con-
ciliatory position taken by Cardinal Law
aRRIB toward tho French republic. 1t does
NOT forUat that tho second French republic