Year: 1864

For many months past the apparent Indifference OF the
Canadian authorities the active nrsues of Southern re
fugees in that province and the nmcal of certain
newspapers there, united to establish conviction among
citizens of the United States that there existed in the B
tish North American provinces widespread feeling to-
wardtus, bordering positive enmty. More recent
currences however, have brought into the foreground
large class of leading citizens and heavy capitalists repre-
sentng the substantial interests of Canada who manifest


very different spirit and who have already done much to
the public either side of the border in regard
to the continuance of friendly relations In the lake cities
since the action of the Canadian authorities following the
discharge of the ST. Abans raiders by Judge Courso all
signs of dsquietude have vanished The Detroit Free
Press declares that The restrictions upon intercourse with
Canada imposed by the Secretary of State are unneces
ssry that the preventive adopted by the Canadian
Government in sationing ygiant police the border
and the calling into service of thirty companies of troops
afford absolute protection that Mr. Stewards order only
embarrasses trade and should be rescnded Our Detroit
contemporary adds:


"A few of our citizens, acting formally felt it mpor-
tant to send committee TO different points in Canada
ascertain what the Canadian Government were
likely pursue. and therefore what steps were
ry part to protect from these incursons from
Canada. We have now before such full and complete
information upon that subject that feel justified in
ing that there is no longer any just wefounded fear Of
raids The Canadian Government has not only acted
promptly but nobly. 1t has done all that any could
reasonably ask from the prompt and efficient manner
in which it has acted tits Of regret that Gov
ernment people had not put themselves in direct
muncaton with it long since and given it the information
which it required"


Entirely consistent with this view is the memorial of the
citizens Of Montreal adopted December 20th and which
bears tho signatures Of the President of the Board
Trade, al the Bank Presidents principal merchants &C.
This document is as follows:


To oLf


discount M0nck, GOuernor General Of British North


America &c.


The memorial of the Undersigned inhabitants of the city
Of Montreal humbly sheweth-


That while Canada has hitherto preserved strict ner-
tray with respect to the unhappy strife low prevailing
In the United States, your Exceencys memoralsts feel
that the circumstances which have recently taken place
call for increased vigilance the part of the
and all subordinate authoriher such neutrality
is effectualy and honestly maintained.


That your mem0ralists consider that while political
ugees residing in Canada entitled to protection it
the duty of such persons tcruplousy respect the
traty proclaimed by her Majesty, and to abstain from
making or urherng any acts Of aggression upon the soil
Of friendly Power.


That your EIceency's memoralists also consider that
any persons who commit acts OF violence upon The borders
of the neghborng States solely consequence OF the i'm
muny which they expect to enjoy upon their escape
acts which would be attempted but for the facilities
for flight which the proximity of soil affords abuse the
right OF asylum and violate the duty Of neutrality epjoned
upon all persons residing within the domnions Of her
Majesty


That your memoIiasts deeply depore the oircumstau-
under which the persons lately custody upon charges
Of robbery and murder at st. Abans released and
also the in which tho money entrusted to our a
hortes restored to the prisoners and feel that the
result the recent proceedings has been such as to cast
doubts upon good faith in carrying treaty obi
cations.


That while it would be improper to PREJUDICE the officers
concerned in the release Of the ST. Abans prisoners and
the restoration Of the money, your Excellencys
rasts consider it due to the interest Of Justice and the
good Of this province that the most searching inquiry
into the conduct OF the judge charged with the
under tae treaty and the officer entrusted with the money
be had without delay and that speedy justice be done in
the premises.


Your EIcellencys memoriass therefore most earnestly
pray that your Exceency will be pleased to order i'm
mediate investigation into the conduct of all the officials
neced with the discharge OF the persons referred to-
and the surrender of the money TO them and that your
Excerncy will be pleased take such further
may be required eectualy to prevent any parties from
violating the neutrality declared by her Majesty and from
endeavOrng TO interrupt the good feeling and friendly res
tionshp which your memorslsts trust may always
tnue to exist between Canada and the United States


The assurances thus given very gratifying and we
have doubt the authorities at Washington will do aDy
thing consistent with the public interests by which need
less restrictions may be relieved or wholly removed