Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1894-02-18

ion that in neither the Province Of On
tario, nor that OF Quebec, is there any
real annexation sentiment. In the latter
the priests are against anything IKE
annexation. Said Sir Oliver: "Our
people are for free trade, but II COM
mercial arrangement could be madei u
would satisfy the condition, and give Us
the markets we need. Our government
is protectionist, protecting agalnstEn-
glish goods'on the Que hand, and Amer
lean goods on the other" In an open
letter on the Reform Party and Canadas
Future, Sir Oliver says: "Canadlans
generally are proud OF their status, as
British subjects, and did not want an
unrestricted reciprocity, II 1t was
TO involve change In their
nationality. They did not want
it at the expense Of handing
over to another nation, this grand
Dominion, so extensive In territory, so
mighty in resources and with sucn
grand national prospects in the future. -
1--WE are as much attached to our nation
as the people Of the United States are
TO theirs. Unrestricted reciprocity at
the price OF annexation, we are not pre-
pared for"
An incident occurred in 1891, which
illustrates: Discomfort with the Con-
servatlye government at Ottawa, in con-
sequence of scandals and the failure OF
the national policy to realize the sxpec-
tations of those who had supported 1t,
caused a reaction, with some talk OF
a TTnifn0 &tQtng-
as the best means Of obtaining reciproc-
ity. At North Essex q Conservative
member OF the Legislature, succeeded
in getting a public meeting TO pass
resolution in favor Of annexation.
At subsequent meeting In
Windsor, November 10, 1891, in practi-
cally the same condition, contrary
resolution was passed, with denuncia-
ton OF the previous resolution, and with
no dissenting votes. The agitation set
on foot by these two meetings caused a
great effort on the part Of the annexa-
tionists, as we'll as their opponents. a
meeting in favor of annexation was
called to meet at Woodstock, but the
attendance proved that the anti-annex-
ationists were in majority OF twelve TO
one, and passed a strong resolution clos
ing as follows: Canadians have the
most friendly feelings towards the
people Of the United States, and desire
the extension OF their trade relations
with them. That while differing among
ourselves. as TO the exteat OF the reel
Drocity 10 be desired or agreed TO, we
reDudiate any suggestion that in order
to accomplish this object, Canadians
should change their allegiance, or con-
sent 10 the surrender Of the Dominion
to any foreign power, by anneA'tlon,
political union or otherwise"
Since then, there has been less and
less OF annexation sentiment. In Man
itoba there has been a little talk in con-
sequence OF the tariff against their
great staple wheat, but it means moth
ing but reciprocity or mere commercial
union. l had a talk with an eminent
mine owner, who at one time was a
leading annexationist-so called. To-
day he admitted that they would be un-
willing 10 accept union under our flag
with all that it can bring them.
Hon. Wilfred Laurier, the Liberal
leader OF the Dominion, In speech at
Quebec, January 10, after discussing
the question of commercial union, said:
II look forward TO the day when Can
ada will have population of 10000, 600
inhabitants, Of 10000, 600 perhaps and,
when its voice will weigh in the desti-
MES of the world"
Lastly the able President OF the To-
ronto Board Of Trade, Mr.. D. r. Will
kie, in his retiring address puts the
matter very fairly: Canada is ready
for reciprocity, on a fair il not u wide
basis, but the movement has been de-
layed ty the contentious Of political
parties in Canada, aud by the writings
of few irresponible outsiders, Cana
da 1CtU neUer consent to barter her pG-
tionaL and political Individuality for
ann commercial consideration.
Like the famous 18th chapter in the
History OF Ireland" entitled son
Snakes and Toads in Ireland" and
which chapter consisted only OF the
words, There are no snakes nor toads
in Ireland" so the present history Of
Annexation in Canada would consist
briefly of these words There is no An
nexation sentiment in Canada"
WRIT ARLAND.