Year: 1866

Our correspondence from the Canadian capi-
tai, given In another column, describes the
condition Of popular sentiment in Canada as
tending strongly towards general discomfort,
distrust Of protection from England, and fears
OF future Fenian incursions, which are looked
for in two or three weeks. The military power
Of the provinces Is proved to be exceedingly
small compared with the danger which may
at any time show itself upon their extensive
frontier. The volunteers, 1t appears, are
grumbling about their pay and the loss Of time
incurred by the late invasion. A portion OF
them at st. John are almost in state OF
mutiny, and are resigning and going home.
The artillery force is pronounced almost worth
less, and the cavalry wholly inefficient In
this state of affairs the selfprotecting capacity
of Canada is regarded as most gloomy, while
all hope Of assistance from the mother country
is about abandoned. The finances and indus
try Of the province, too, are in very unsatis-
factory state. Many Of the banks, it is said,
are rather embarrassed, and commercial ope-
rations are greatly obstructed by the unsafe
and unsettled condition Of the country.


Under this pressure of circumstances the
desire for annexation to the United States
grows stronger every day. The confederation
scheme which for time was pushed for
ward by the friends Of the government and Of
British monarchy, has lost nearly all chances
Of success. 1t is reported that it meets no
notice now from the masses but expressions Of
derision and contempt The value, or more
properly the want Of value, to the province Of
a connection with England is being properly
understood, and there can be no mistaking
that annexation to this country is coming to
be regarded by thinking people as the only
safety for Canada. Congress has opened the
door to the Canadians to come into the
Union If they choose. II is . matter
that concerns themselves whether they Inn
prove the opportunity, and 1t is Of very little
consequence to US enc way or the other; but
If they get themselves in decent condition, put
on good clothes, get shaved and wash their
linen Of all the stains OF the riots, bank raids
city burnngs and other disreputable proceed
ings concocted on their frontier, we will well
come them into the republic, and take care Of
them.


There appears to be movement progressing
in Massachusetts, under the title Of the "Annexa-
ton League" having reference to the union Of
Canada to the United States, and 1t Is said that
branch societies exist in many towns and cities
Of the British provinces. This may be fr,ie as
far as any regular organization is concerned,
orit may not; but there can be no doubt Of
the fact that popular feeling in Canada is
very much in favor Of annexation, and we re-
gard 1t as q fixed fact that Canada will become
before very long part of the United States.
The address Of the Annexation League
which we publish elsewhere, though having a
Fenian color about 1t, would show that the idea
has assumed o somewhat practical shape. II
may be that q stimulus hitherto unforeseen will
urge on the annexation movement from this
country, as well as by change Of Canadian
feeling. 1t would be curious to see, just at
tins time, when ten of our own States at the
South are earnestly seeking from Congress
recognition and cooperation in the extension
Of our prosperity, the British provinces at the
North making similar appeal. Before long
both Cuba and Mexico may perhaps be knock
ing at the door of the great republic for ad-
mission.