The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-02
CANADA.
The Boundary Dispute Shows the Common
Sense of AbolishinR the boundary.

MONTREAL. May 31.-There is considerable
bewilderment here at the sudden outbreak
against Canada on the part Of some American
papers about the Alaska boundary question.
Whatever the secrets Of the politicians or the
sentiments OF the we-known stirrers up OF
strife between the two countries may be- there
is only one feeling among the generality Of the
people OF this province on the matter OF tho
frontier. In plain language. they are OF opin-
ion that the sooner II is abolished the better.
All except tho small minority. whose personal
interests cause them to hold different view
of the present and future interest OF Can
ada. desire an early solution OF al the
difficulties and disputes between the two
countries. not by diplomatic arrangement with
the Intervention OF a third party. but by means
OF commercial union to be followed In tho
fulness OF time by the closer political relations
that would naturally ensue.
The position taken by THE SUN on this ques-
| tlon is the one most generally accepted. The
present relations between Canada and Eng
land are seen to be wholly artificial and unnntu-
raj. as are likewise those between Canada and
the United States. and while Canadas connec-
ton with England continues must necessarily
| remain SO. As to the material injury to Cana
da OF prolongntion OF II. II cannot be esti-
mated In dollars only. 1t is TO be seen In tho
Generalization OF political and social life.
! splitting up the people into parties regarding
| each other almost as personal enemies. and
compelling men to conceal their sentiments
out Of fear Of injury to their business interests
| An instance OF this occurred not long ago.
| The correspondent Of a London paper tele-
| Rraphed to his office that there was young
Canada party whose aim was the separation OF
| Canada from Great Britain 1t created some
| sensation In England and inquiries were
| directed to be made at once with the view OF
verifying the statement. 1t curiously enough
happened that among those first approached
| were some OF the most active spirts in IT, but
they professed complete ignorance and indif-
| ference on the subject. and the inquiries only
| resulted in establishing the one fact that the
| party could not be found. although 1t Is ac-
lively at work and Is preparing for an energetic
campaign in the country districts during the
summer months.
| The Tory press is. according to its wont. try
| ing to utilize the discussion OF the boundary
| dispute to discredit the Laurier Government.
| but 1t is only wasting its time. The Tory
| party Is so thoroughly discredited itself that 1t
| has lost It's power to iniure those 1t attacks.
| and then. Canadian politics are showing I'M
| mistakable symptoms OF going forward and
| not backward The changing sentiment OF
| the electorate has made itself felt at Ottawa in
! various ways during the last few weeks. nota-
| bly, In the tendency shown to break away from
| the control o: the old party mene,rs and act
| for themselves. Sir Wifrd Laurier is more
| sensitive to these manifestations than some OF
| his colleagues and understands them better,
| which is leading to the belief that some
| startling denouement In Canadian politics is
| imminent