Year: 1878

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of this week have for us, on this side of the
border, something more than the interest OF
spectators. Even as simple spectators SO
surprising political change in q neighbor-
ing people would be curious object OF
attention. The politics of Canada touch us
more nearly than the politics Of Germany
or Italy or Russia or Turkey, to which we
are not Indifferent, although they have but
remote bearing upon our own pros
perity. Canada is our neighbor and
something more. She naturally belongs to
our political system her destiny. either
near or remote. will make her valued
member of our great family of free States
We must always take lively interest in
her affairs and watch with keen attention
the political winds which drive her off her
course and impede or postpone the fulfil
ment of her destiny.


The population of tho seven provinces
which constitute the Dominion Of Canada is
considerably less than that of our six New
England States, and the two regions are not
dissimilar in soil, climate and natural pro-
ductions. 1t will be conceded by every in
III
by every intelligent man in the United
States, that it would be fatal
and prostrating blow to New England to
separate her from the Union in the same
manner that Canada is separated and de-
prive her of free access to our markets. 1t
the New England States were put out of the
| American Union, if they could not intro
IL. & 60, ~o1A ia, Ny1r
markets without the payment OF heavy du-
| ties, their population would dwindle in
| few years to less than half its present
amount. If Canada were taken into the
| Union and New England excluded the two
would exchange not merely their politi-
| cal relations but their industries and
prosperity. There is nothing which
could happen to Canada which would
| so promote it's industrial development,
so enhance the value of every acre OF
its property, or impart such an impetus to
tho growth Of its population, as to give it
the same free access to the whole vast ex-
tent of the American market that is enjoyed
by our New England States. This is SO
obvious that mere statement is equivalent
to an argument; so obvious on its face that
the most elaborate arguments could add
nothing to the force Of conviction. 1t is so
self-evident that all the great interests Of
New England would be ruined by severance
from the Union and isolation, like that suf-
fered by Canada, that no sane mind would
think of disputing it; and how can any
thing be good for our neighbors which
would be fraught with such mischief to
CORES ponding section of our own country?


Although the late elections in the Do
minion impede and postpone the closer
commercial connection which is destined
to come it is only temporary obstacle. In
q free country like Canada political parties
rise and fall. and no decision is permanent
which opposes the laws Of commercial
gravitation and is contrary to the true in
tcrests of the community. 1t is only few
wears since Sir John Macdonald was driven
out Of Office in disgrace in consequence of
the Pacific Railway scandals, and it Is an
exceptional state of things which brings
him again into power. For the last
five years Canada, like the United
States, has been suffering from COM
mercial depression and distress, and
this surprising political revolution is
rather IN expression Of general discomfort
than a settled Endorsement of Sir John
Macdonald's high tariff policy. 1t resem-
bles the spasmodic uprising of the green
back party in the United States, which is
founded not on reflection, but upon impa-
tience under protracted suffering. When
tho heavy burden of business stagnation
comes to be alleviated there will be a moro
rational tone Of thinking on both sides Of
the border. But for the present the Cana
dian protectionist party, which is in effect
States, is triumphant throughout the Do
minion.


We judge it improbable. in spite of cur
rent speculations, that there will be an i'm
mediate change Of Ministry It is moro
likely to be deferred until tho meeting of
the new Parliament next winter. In the
first place, Canadian usage does not require
an immediate resignation; and the Mac
kenzie Ministry having q good excuse to
hold on until the Parliament meets will be
governed by the love of Office and the
power of benefting its friends. In the
next place, an immediate change would be
inconvenient for the successful party.
Although the party is triumphant, Sir John
Macdonald, it's leader, has been defeated in
the city of Kingston by constituency
which has deserted him after having given
him its steady confidence for thirty-fve
years. This drop of bitterness in the
cup of triumph is not only per-
sonal modification but q temporary
disqualification for tho Premiership.
In Canada, as in England, it is q
rule established by usage, though not by
law. that members of the Ministry shall