The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-16
CANADA AS A ~DIsTURBER.

II the dispute over the Alaska boundary
had occurred forty years ago both countries
would be talking of war. Having settled the
controversy over the Alabama claims and
the seal fisheries by arbitration, there is
now no danger that the present dispute will
lead to war. even If Canada should proceed
to harass American miners in'the disputed
territory. Even the perversity Of Canada
will scarcely be able to lead to a war be-
tween the United States and Great Britain.
Nevertheless. Great Britain must be as
much Inundated by the perversity of its
spoiled child as we are provoked. To the
United States. Canada has always been the
constant cause of irritation, for the reason
that ii stretches along our northern bound
airy and Is constantly doing something or
demanding something to remind US that 1t
Is not a pleasant neighbor.
1t is often asked, and never answered,
why Great Britain stands so much from
the Dominion OF Canada. But for Canada a
modus vivendi preliminary to a final settle
ment of the Alaskan boundary would be in
force. Such an arrangement was agreed 10.
but Canada appeared and the agreement
was terminated. A high joint commission
was in session for weeks. 1t embraced some
of the ablest men Of the United States and
Great Britain. yet Canada was able to pre-
vent the settlement of any important dis
pute. For that reason nothing can be rea-
sonably expected from a second meeting Of
the commission next month. These condi-
tons again lead to the frequent inquiry,
why does Great Britain defer so much TO
to the British throne, but if 1t were all
loyal the Dominion would prove a peril to
Great Britain in the event of an extensive
war. because it would be In duty bound to
furnish Canada the means of defense, while
the latter could render no compensating
service either in position or men. England
derives little or no revenue from Canada.
Until recently its tariff has not afforded
Great Britain any advantage over other
competitors. If Canada seeks to send its
trade TO England, 1t is not apparent. since
the purchases in the United States continue
TO increase. 1t may be that, years ago, the
English feared that Canada might join it's
fortunes to those OF the United States. but
the English must know now that there is no
influential element in this country in favor
of annexation. During later years the senti-
ment in the United States has been averse
to annexation. Whatever Canada might be.
1t is not now a growing country i'm the sense
that the States which border on it are. Its
most noted growth Is that Of its public debt,
which is nourished by its system of subsi-
dies. Really, the best thing which could
happen to us in connection with Canada
would be for Great Britain to declare its
troublesome child TO be of age and turn 1t
out to set up an independent government.
Then we could deal with Canada as an in
dependent government. With no one to
back her. she would be ready to agree to
fair terms. So long. however. as the pres
ent relations exist, which enable Canada to
be troublesome. we shall have disputes with
Great Britain which will prevent the possi-
bility of an Anglo-American alliance.