The sun., 1897-01-26

province Of Quebec, II more outspoken on
all topics OF public interest In the State Of
Massachusetts there are four important
French Canadian papers, L'Indepcndont
of Fall River, L'Etotc of Lowell,
L'Opinion Publtque Of Worcester. and
L'Atgle Of Salem. There are two in Rhode
Island, La Tribune Of woonsocket and Le
Jean Bopttstc Of Pawtucket. In Maine
thero are L'Amertquc Of Biddeford and
La Republfqtc Of Lewiston; and there Is
L'Arenir National OF Manchester in New
Hampshire. One remarkable feature OF
these New England French Canadian papers
Is their strong anti-monarchical tone, and
their frankly expressed preference for re-
publican institutions. with q very pro-
nounced contempt for those Of their fellow
countrymen in Canada who continue
to prefer their present condition Of
colonial dependency. No paper in the
Union has como out with q stronger
denunciation OF the recently signed arbitra-
ton treaty than was contained in articles
in LAmerique aud La Rcpublique q few
days ago and they make II very clear that
they did not escape from British domina-
tion to submit without protest to it's infu-
encc in another form in the land OF their
adoption. OF Mr.. CLEVELAND and bis Sec
retsry Of State, together with their Am
basssdor in London, they speak without
reserve, describing the treaty as an outrage
on the memory OF the men who sacrificed
their lives for American liberty. For Can
ada they advocate annexation to the Union
as the only way by which the French can
enjoy true freedom, their suspicion
Of the anti-French intentions Of the impe-
rialist element being apparently ineradics-
BILE. In this way only, according to their
opinion, can the race conflict that
retards Canada's progress be finally
settled. DOptnion Pubiiquc OF worces-
ter comes out squarely for the indepcn-
dence and separation OF Quebec from the
rest OF Canada; but La Repubiiquc points
out that this is only half measure. and de-
clares for the annexation OF Quebec out
right From this it will be seen that the
French OF New England have no taint OF
Mugwumpery about them, but are Ameri-
cans to tho backbone and ardent advocates
Of policy Of territorial expansion.
As almost everything in life has its alloy.
the satisfaction Of the New England French
with their civil and political status is
troubled by religious difficulties in certain
dioceses under Irish American Bishops. who
are endeavoring, according to the articles
that are appearing in LIndcpendant Of
Fall River, to deprive the French Canadian
congregations Of the right to nominate the
chaplains OF their benevolent societies aud
institutes, besides forcing on them pastors
ignorant Of the French language and out of
sympathy with them In many ways.
Tho Eroprh t.,
other parts OF the Union have their local
organs also. In st. Paul. Minnesota, is
lie Cdnddten, and in Chicago, lie Courier
de rIllinots; besides those in other States.
Like their Eastern contemporaries, the
Western French papers are thoroughly
American and without trace OF European
political leanings This is easily explained
by the absence Of political connection with
old France, and the antipathy to their
English conquerors, stronger now than at
any period since the conquest. except, per-
haps, in 1887 and the years Immediately
preceding and following.
A little study Of the spirit OF the French
in the United States and in Canada, goes
TO show that while they readily adapt them
selves to their environment in this country,
where no pressure Is exercised upon them,
in Canada the more or less overt assertion
OF superiority by the ultra-Br element
is meeting with resistance that intensifies
with time. A fusion Of the races in Canada
is not within sight SO long as the French
feel that they must remain on the defensive,
and the ultra pro- British element has the
material support OF the British connection.
The race struggle between English and
French in Canada will only cease with the
absolute physical preponderance Of ono or
the other people, or by Canada's indepen-
dence or annexation to the United States.