/":/ mMk.J2.i''^ ^1 CANADIAN DOMINION TESTED. &;c. ifec. BT JOHN GEORGE MARSHALL, IlETIREl) JUDGE, A«. «i -s .:-i^t. M, • 1. v^l^j^*^ ^ ■■'^h m THE CANADIAN DOMINION TESTED BY THE EVIDENCE OF ttipinxt uuil 31 i ^ 1 y g . BY JOHN GEORGE MARSHALL, f # • Betlred Jad^e, Ac. HALIFAX, N. S. PRINTED BY J, B. STRONG, C4 BEDFORD ROW. 1868. THE CANADIAN DOIINION TESTED, &c. Of the great variety of subjects ou which a supernatural infiu- ence is exercised, there is, probably none, whereon, in general, there is less correct knowledge, and more incredulity, even among really christian people, than the truth of the constant overruling go- vernment of Divine Providence, both as to individuals and nations. From the natural pride and blindness of mankind, as to the cha- racter and dispensations of the Deity, they ax*e ever inclined to forget or set aside, that divine interposition ; and to assign some real or sujjposed merely natural causes, as produceing the various events of life, whether prosperous or adverse ; or whether affecting individuals, families, or nations. If a destructive disease occurs among human beings, or the inferior animals, it is generally men- tioned, as proceeding from some atmospheric malarious influence, or other cause, of a merely natural and secondary character. Here- in is manifested a want of knowledge, or a disbelief of these plain Scripture declarations : — " Shall there be evil in a Cltv, and the Lord hath not done it :" (Amos, 3, (5.) — " He that chastiseth the heathen shall not he correct :"(Fs. 9-L 10.) — '• He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." (Lam. 3, oo.) — But for their prophet." (Heh. 1j^. 10.) There are many similar announce- ments iu Scripture, regarding a divine overruling influence and go- vernment, exercised in the affairs of nations. The following are express on the point : — *' The kingdom is the Lord's, and He is the governor among the nations." (Ps. ;>:2, 28,) — " His kingdom ru- leth over all." (Ps. 103, 19.)—" If they will not obey, I will ut- terly pluck up and destroy that nation, salth the Lord," (Jeu. 12, 17.) But yet, in the case of nations, as also in that of individuals, althoui,'h such overruling i^overnmont may at time, permit acts oi injustict* iiiul oppression to be committed, it afi'ords tliem no man- ner of approval ; l)uf iVeriucntly, as to individuals, and always in the case ol" nation^', sooner or later, temporal retribution and pun- ishment are divinely executed. It is conducive to the ufrcatest measure of human welfare, that there is such a divine influence and overrulini; j^overnment. Were it not so, there would have been exhibited in every part of our world, constant scenes of oppression, injustice, and cruelty, on one hand ; and of degradation, aiiliction and revengeful feelings and acts on th(; other, even far beyond that extent of those evils which has actually prevailed. Such divine controlling and influencing go- vornment, is worthy of far more and deejicr consideration than is generally conceded. If admitted, in terms, it is not, in general, believed to be actually a.s operative and extensive, as the facts of both scriptural and secular history plainly icveal. It is my design, in the present Essay, to show, by the testimo- nies which both these histories afford, that it is not the will of the Divine Jluler, to establish i)cnti(inrnil[i, extensive Empires and go- vernments to rule over other nations and countries, but on the con- trary, it appears to he His will and design, that each nation, and people, as to civil rule, shall be indepnulent of' every other power; and have and enjoy the government of all its own affairs ; except in some special instances, in which that infinitely wise and Almigh- ty Ruler, for effecting certain purposes of justice, or mercy, t jward, mankind, is pleased to establish and uphold, but, only for a time, aome powerful Empire, to rule over any certain number of other nations or countries. In elucidating and maintaining these combined and important propositions, it will be needful to look very far back into the re- cords ol national history ; even to some of the earliest patriarchal ages. And here, as also in several other parts of this historical ex- amination, recourse must be had to the infallible authority of scrip- ture evidence. In Genesis Ch 10. we read of the general division of the earth, among the immediate descendants of the three Sons of Noah, — Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The portions of the earth divinely divided and assigned to the descendants of each of them, arc particularly mentioned and described ; and It is there said of that division, that it was made to, " everyone, after hi? tonf:fue, af- ter their families, in their nations." Althou separately, as mentioned in Ch. 1, of the book of Number-. In Ch. !2(). of the •same book, are the Divine commands concerning the division of the land of Canaan among the several tribes ; and it was thereby expressly prescribed, tiiat each tribe should have a* .sepa- rate portion, to be ascertained by lot, with precise boundaries, es- tablished throughout the divisions. The l)ook of .losiuia shows, that ;iff,er the conquest of the country, the division was actually made, and the boundaries established, according to those Divine injj'iictions. By the same authority, rach tribe had its own Prince or Chieftain, and judj^'cs, and other officers ; l)ut all under tlu; su- preme f^ovcrninent of the Divine Ruler. In making' their con- quests, only the territories of certain nations, expressly named wen; divinely i^iven to them ; and in Deut. C\\. '.I. we read, that they were solemnly and s|)ecially commanded not to invade the lands of the adjacent Kdomites, .Moahitc^s, or Ammonites. (Joneernini? the first mentioned people, the Israelites were told ; — '• Ve are to pass through the coast of yoin* brethren, the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir ; and they shall l)e afrajd of you ; take ye ,stiiblishment of His benign Christianity, throughout the various regions of thu*; vast Empire. The Roman government, at that j)erio(l, and lor some time after, as we h'arn from history, tolerated the religious opinions and ukhIcs of worship of the differ- ent nations who were brought inuier its authority ; and permitted each of them, to retain and foUow its own rr li^ious rites and obser- vances. This liberality, which both before .md since, has been so very rare among nations, was divinely made to contribute, in a great degree, to proti^jt and favour the advance of infant Chris- tianity. It is true, that at no long time after its first successful and extended progress, the persecution of it commenced, by Im- perial and other (Jivil authority ; and, with some intermissions, was continued through a long period, and under several reigns ; but it may well be concluded, from the instruction and instances afforded by Scripture, that these persecutions were permitted by the Divine Head of the Churches, as needful chastistuncnt?, for their purification from the various heresies and departures from the true faith ; and for the strifes and divisions, as well as other sins and immoralites, I which had arisen and prevailed among them. When these divine r purposes were in part fulfilled, the first Constantine, through the same overruling Providence, became the sole possessor of the vast )' Roman dominion ; and exercised that authority, in establishing 1- and facilitating the extension of Christianity throui^hout the Em- i : pire. Although it was sub.se([ueutly persecuted, and its progress (I partially suspended, for a season, under the rule of Julian, called l^ the Apostate, who laboured most strenuously, and in various modes, d- fully to restore idolatry, he was not allowed to succeed in his im- c( pious attempt, but was suddenly stricken down in the day of battle. n( Shortly after, by the first Theodosius, Christianity was again made, h^and ever after remained, the established religion of the Empire, ve And now must be mentioned, another most remarkable instance ,n(Of the truth ol" the proposition advanced in this Essay, namely, — ^ athat it is the general design of the Divine overruling government, it\tliat each Nation and Country, shall be independent of all others, s(^;jas to Civil government, institutions, and laws ; and that in the ^yi exceptional instances, where such dominion is obtained and exer- ^i'cised, by any one great Rower over others, it is designedly per- tl u mittcd by the Almighty Ruler, to effect some special purpose, re- garding the Nations, and the interests of His own Holy religion. The following is the instance referred to, and which is clearly shown from historical records : — In the year ot our Lord 395, at the latter end of the reign of the first Theodosius, paganism was legally abolished, and Christianity was established as the religion of the Empire, and only 15 years after, A. D. 410, the great and populous City of Rome, — one of the Imperial Capitals, — after hav- ing been three times besieged by the Gothic hosts, under the re- nowned Alaric, was taken by them, and thoroughly pillaged. Gibbon, the historian of the Roman " Decline and Fall," and the insidious and determined enemy of Christianity, states, that " the prosperity of the Empire expired with Theodosius." He has also shown, that from that time onward, in the several sections of that vastly extei^ded dominion, its various national portions and appen- dages, became broken oil", more or less rapidly, by the incursions and conquests of the nations and tribes of Goths, Iluns, Vandals, and other barbarians. These, with fierce and mighty hosts, rushed in upon the diti'ercnt portions ot the Imperial dominion, and esta- blished their own rule, and a mixed but superior possession with the other populations. Shortly before the establishment of Chris- tianitVi by Theodosius, the Visigoths had invaded and settled in parts of Thrace, and the Ostragoths in Phrygia and Lydia. The Vandals, Suevi, and Burgundians, a few years after, established themselves in Gaul, — now France, — driving out the Franks, ano- »] ther barbarous people, who had previously, by conc^uest, obtained '< a settlement in portions of that Country. About A. D. 428, the c Vandals conquered from the Empire, a part of Spain; from whence i they early passed over to Africa ; and subdued nearly the whole of bi the Roman territories there ; and soon after, the whole of them Y were lost to the Empire, until the time of the Emperor Justinian, whose renowned General, Belisarius, reconquered it, with some other portions of territority which had been wrested from the Em- pire. These reconquered portions however, were only retained for brief periods. In A. D. 44(), the fierce and haughty Attila, with his mighty n< hosts of barbarous Huns, invaded the Eastern Roman Empire, and In SI 15 overran it, from the Euxine to the Adriatic ; and even approached , near to the walls of Constartinople. By a heavy subsidy, and a large territory assigned to him in Thrace, he was induced, for a time, to refrain from any further devastations and conquests. About A. D. 350, Britain was comiuered by the Saxons ; and only 5 years after, a second Capture and pillage of Rome took place, by Genseric and ins V andal hosts, In, or about 474, may be dated the extinc- tion of the Western Koman Empire, by the resignation of the Em- peror Augustulus; and Odoacer, the chief of a barbarous tribe called the Scirri, who were confederate with Attila, was made Kin- of Italy. ° Ft thus appear.., that the extensive Roman Empire in the west only continued about 80 years after the legal suppression of pac^a- ni.m, and the establishment of Christianity, by the first Theodosius. Ihis, evidently affords another instance, that great Empires, hold- ing various nations under their rule, are onlv permitted to remain for limited periods, to eflect some purposes of justice, or mercy, or Other designs of the infinitely wise and Almighty Sovereicru At that period of the extinction of the Empire in the west, the following were the portions, or divisions of it, possessed by the several barbarous nations and tiibes, who overran and settled with- n It :— rhe (ioths and Visigoths were in parts of Italy, and other egions ;-tlie liurgundians in Gaul ;— now France ;-~the Suevi in ,pani ;-the Vandals in Africa ;-and the Ostragoths, and others rom the Northern hive, in Italy, under Odoacer, previously men- oned. About A. D. 510, there was a revolution in Gaul ; and 16 iu-ank or French monarchy was established by Clovis ; and bout ,%7, nearly the whole of Italy was overrun and conquered y^ the Lombards. During these events, the Divine power and goodness were mani- sted, by this glorious fact, that all of these bari)arians, almost tmc^diately after their conquests, and settlement, abandoned their )latries, and embraced the Christian religion. This is recorded en by Gibbon, who had so often shown himself its determined and nderous opponent, In returning to narrate further events, relating to the Eastern ■man Empu-e, mention may be made, that about A. D. 614, 10 Chosrocs the Persian, subdued to liis dominion, — Syria, Egypt, and other Provinces of that Empire, in Asia and Europe, from Istriato Thrace. For 10 years, the Persian Camp was in the presence of Constantinople ; and the Empire may be said to have been reduced to the walls of that City, together with a remnant of Greece, Italy, and Africa, and some maritime Cities on the Asiatic Coast. About 840, the immediate successors of Mahomet, by re^ eatcd conquests, became possessed of all the Provinces which had been taken from the Eastern Empire, by the Persians. That Empire continued thereafter, but a Aveak power ; its Provinces and possessions greatly reduced and limited. In or about 11S;J, during the time of the Crusades, a Latin or western conquest was made, of Constantinople, and the rest of the Eastern Empire ; but that western dominion only remained about CO years, and the former one was restored ; and with reduced power, and afllicted with many wars and convulsions continued until 149(5, when Constantinople was takon by the Turks, and the Eastern Eoman Empire was finally extinguished. In France, its Sovereign, known as Charlemagne, the successor of Clovis, made extensive conquests of nations and territories, in the West, but immediately on his decease, his dominion became separated into many hostile and independent States ; the Sove- reignty of which was assumed by the principal and most ambitious chiefs who had been under his sway. The foregoing events and statements, concerning those two great Eastern and western divisions of the Roman Empire, have been chiefly drawn from Gibbon's celebrated Work on their " Decline and Fall" which, as to secular facts and affairs, is universally ad- mitted to be an impartial and authentic history. Alter giving an abstract of the ]3yzantine history, he says, " the following nations pass before our eyes: — 1. Franks, and including the other barbarians who had settled in France, Italy and Germany, — 2. Arabs, or Saracens, who had conquered Syria, Egypt, Africa. Persia, and Spain. — 3 Bulgarian. — 4. Hungarians. — 5. Russians. — 6. Normans, who possessed Apulia and Scicily. — 7. Latin sub- jects of the Pope, with the nations of the west, engaged in the cru- sades, who subverted the Greek Monarchy, and estabhshed that of the Italian, which continued about 60 years. — 8. The Greeks them- 17 selves, who (lurinL,' tliat dominion of tlu- Latins, were considered as a foreiL,ni natioi.. — 1). Moiruls and Tartars, under Zeni,ns and his iiesccndauts. I'y the victories of 'rimoiu-, tlic final destruction of the l>y/.antine Empire was v^uspended for 50 years. — 10. Th(> se- cond dynasty of the Turks, in the (deventh century, by whom Constantinople was taken, and the Eastern Greeco-llonian Empire was finally extinguisheded in A. I). 140(5." In this division of 10, ])y Gibbon, — the enemy and traducer of (•hristianit.y — there is the remarkable coincidence, of its heintj the same number proplietically foretohl by the proph(>t Daniel, (Ch. 7,) nearly one thousand years previously, — would be that of "' the horns," or kin<,'doms," which \vonld "arise out of" the fourth, or greatest, of the " four beasts," or kingdoms, deseril)e(l in his vision; and whic-h evidently meant the Jvoman I'hnpiro. Perhaps ;i better division than that of Gii)bo!!, is the one in which many learned men agree, and is as follows : — I. I'he Uouian Senate. :i. 'i'he Greeks in Ravenna. ^J. The Lombards in Lombardy. I. The Huns in Hungary. 5. The Alemans in (iermany. i\. 'VAic Franks in France. 7. The Burgundians in Burgundy. 8. The; Saracens in Africa and a part of Spain. 0. The ( Joths in other parts of Spain. 10. I'he Saxons in Britain. It we next ;ulvert to more modern times, as rei>:ards the same subject of great Empires, lioldingsjivi'ral nations untler their sway, we find the same fact of the comparatively brief duration of such comprehensive dominion. The lunperor Charles the Fiftli held in subjection, as head sovereign, and ruled over Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, or Provinces of Holland and ]>clgium. But thi} "xtended dominion only continued during his reign of about 45 years ; and almost immediately a: tor his decease, the dismemberment of that great Empire took place, and Spain, Holland, and Belgium, and other portions of the Empire, again became separate and inde- pendent states. At a later period, the Spanish Monarchy became possessed of do- minion over several other countries and territories, 1)ut such extend- ed rule of that ambitious and haughty power, like the one last men- tioned, was but of limited duration. The great Napoleon, who like a Sennacherib, or a Xerxes an Alex- 18 ander, or an Attilu, seemed to he aiming at universal sway, or dio- tatin;^ and connrianding inlluencc over the nations, only obtained and held his extensive f.ower lor a very brief period ; and the subdued and indignaiit nations, encouraged and led on by free and undaunted Britain overcame the mighty conciueror, and were again established as indejjendent powers. The territories and a|ij)endages over ^vllieh the present great powers of the earth hold dominion and rule, consist, chiftly, of colonies, ex- cept in the unjust and 0})pressivc instances by l^ussia, Prussia, and Auatriii. who. divisionally, hold Poland in their tyrainiical grasp. The last named of those ini(iuilious d^'spoilers al?o holds its unjust dominion over Hungary ; and until recently, over ptirts of indignant and struggling Italy, which have now become rescued iVom her op- pressive rule. When the purposes of the divine overruling authority, in permittingthosc first-mentioned subjections, shall i e accomplished, thosu tyrannous ])onds will also be liroken asunder, as in all the in- stances ])reviously mentioned, and those 0})i)ressed nationalities will be restored to their former independence. It may here be remarked, that seldom or ever has any nation or people foltiniiir'ihj, w iihout any iorcign violence or coercive influence, surrendered its institutions and laws, its civil government and ma- nagement of it.s public aflains, into the power, andphiced itscK under "•he institutions and the authority and rule of another nation or peo- ple. In all the instances which have ever been known of such sur- render and foreign dominion, the change has beeneifecttd by hostile invasion, or violent compulsion in one form or other . or else through the political r.postacy and treachery of the legislative or other ruling authorities of the nation or people rnwillingly and coercively brought under the foreign subjection and i ule. There are with every nation and people, feelings, either of patriotism or pride, or of natur- al tenacious adherence to established institutions and customs, or ap- prehensions of injurious results, or some other just feeling or cause which forms and maintains a deep re ugnance and aversion to any voluntary surrender and change of civil institutions and government. Such feelings and sentiments, of themselves, have a tendency to show the truth of the proposition here maintained, that it is the divine will that each nation and people shall be independent of every other, as to civil power and rule. In near relation to tho subjects which have thus been treated of, there is oiic of a political nature, on which I shall now oiler some facts and rcinar]<.s, I allude to the Union or Confederation of differ- ent Nations, or States, as regards laws and civil institutions, and public affairs generally. During the Fcveral ages of the world, and in its various divisions, there have licoa many such Confederations; all more or less differing in the terms and conditions on which they were formed. In disagreement Avitu the opinion or dogmatic asser- tion so often advanced, but misapplied, that such political arrange- ments always confer powei' and other public advantages, I here pro- pose, and shall be able, to show, that in the greater number of the chief instances of sueh Confederations, instead of haviuif, on the whole, lieen productive of permanent public security, peace, and pros- perity, and other general advantages, they have been attended with internal divisions and strifes, oppressions, injustice, and other embar- rassing and disastrous consequences. These alllicting results have, in nearly all such instances, led to the ■'Aeakening of some or all of the ■ embers of the Confederation, and iinally to their dissolution, under circumstances of convulsion, loss," and other injuries to all the combined ^tatc,s The earliest of such Confederacies of which we have any tolerable correct historical information, are those which, from time to time, were formed I^etween ccrtaia States of ancient Greece 4 1. StAIKS ok (illlll'CE. In the very earliest periods, they were all separate States, politically independent of each other. The first coalition or Confederation among them, of which there is any account; was called the Council of the Amphyctions, from its supposed founder ^' Amphyction. It was formed of deputies from the dilVerent countries of Greece, whose business it was to decide ail disputes between the States of which the Association was composed: and t(/ ,.. concert measures of defence af'ainsttheir common enemies. But ex- perience showed, that it had but little cflicacy towaids securing eith- er of those good purposes. It did not succeed in preventing frequent "wars among the iStates. On the invasion of Greece by tho enormous hosts of Xerxes, the Persian Monarch, the mutual jealousies among the States, especially between the two most powerful,— Athens and 20 Sparta, — prevented the usscinbling ot'a sufiicient force at Thcmiopylce to oppose tlio Persian Army, whicli after the most (losperate encoun- ters, only forced the pass, by anniliilutin^; the noble fc'partan band, who there devoted themselves for its defence. An historian of these events has Avrittcn, that " the ambitious views and political jeal- ousies among the Confederate Greeks, produced greater evils, than all that they had endured while struggling under the pressure of the Persian hosts." Soon after the close of the several Persian invasions, the rivalries and animosities between the Athenians and Spartans became so embittered, that an army of the former, with some of their Grecian Allies, made a sudden attack upon a Spartan force and their allies, and a great battle of two days' continuance took place between them, Avhich ended by the retreat of the Athenians. A truce for five years was agreed upon between them, and on its conclusion, hostili- ties between all the same parties were renewed, which ended for a time with a longer truce. Sparta favoured aristocracy, and Athens democracy. Hence their influence was extended, according as one or other of these opposite powers prevailed in the several other trtates ; and as either of the factions gained the ascendancy in any one of such Stfttes, it brought that state to the side of Sparta, or of Athens. The constant rivalship between these two leading States was kept in ardent excitement, ])y the frcc^uent quarrels of the minor com- monwealths : and at length gave rise to the fierce and sanguinary Peloponnesian wars, whicli continued for nearly 80 years, with va- rious and alternate victories and defeats, devastations, and other severe distresses, exi)erienccd in greater or lesser degrees by every State. At the close of this long and fierce struggle, Sparta succeeded in humbling Athens, and gained, and for some time retained, the ascendancy and a paramount authority over the whole of Greece. After a time the Thcban State became powerful, and confederated with Athens and other Grecian allies, iu engaging in a war against Sparta and her allies. After several severe battles had been fought, ■with varied successes and defeats, a general pacification and arrange ment took place, through the mediation of Persia. But Spart; very soon violated the arrangement, and committed hostilitic against some of the smaller States, ^yhich led to further Avars, i: whicli most of the States became involved ; during which theyl a became so weakened and reduced, that the entire overthrow of Gi; 21 cian indopc'iifloncc. and tlio subjugation of all the States were ellectctl by riiilip and Alcxiinder of Macedon. Lookin;^ over the history of those ancient (irecian l^tatcs, we can find only few and hrief periods when tlicro were not cither hostile niovenieuts or open wars anions aouie of thcni. Sparta and Athens, the two most powerful, through ambition and jealousy, were continually attacking and desolating each other, and frequently oppressing the smallar States. Several *' Sacred wars,"' as they have been called, occurred between some of the States, through dillercnces as to religion. Yet, as to langu- age, laws, and institutions, habits and manners, th.c inhabitants of the dilVorent States were nearly the same people. During the whole time of thu.se contentions and wars among them, and down to their conquest and subjection by ^lacedonia, the beforementioned Ara})hyc- tionic Confederacy existed ; but it neither prevented wars l)el\veen the State.-!, or secured, as intended, e([uality among them, or a more powerful defence against foreign enemies. Tliat Confederacy was dissolved by the Macedonian Monarchy, immediately on his subju- gation of Greece. In this instance of the Crocian Confederacy, we see a failure as to the truth of the supposed invariable, and often dogmatically asserted maxim, that in political afiairs, ■' Union is Strcuth." '2. 3)i:n.maiii\, Swi-.dkx. .\M) Norway. The i>»ational Confederacies to bo next examined are those which, on several occasions, were entered into between the three Scandin v- vian mitions — Denmark, Sweden, and Norway In the earliest periods, each was a sep irate aud indei)endent kingdom ; but abou; the year 1030, Denmark conquered Norway, but lost it in a revolt by the Norwegians a few years after. It was reconquered by the Danes in D'^87,. under their Queen, Margaret, who also couiiuered Sweden: :ind after a short time, convoked tb.e States of the three nations at ;i; place called Calmar, in Sv. eden. where a law called •• the Union of Calmar'' was passed, including the three nations. The first and iirevocablo princij)le of the Union was, tli.it the three nations sliould form one kinglom ; but it was expressly stipulated, that the Sovereign should govern each according to its own laws and customs, and rights and privileges. There were several other arti- cles of Union, which it is not needful to mention here. In a very r\i^ few years, under the son of M;.rgaret, who succeeded her, the i^wede became greatly discontented, because they found that the treatment they received from the sovereign was, on several points, inferior to that which was afforded to the Danes and Norwegians. Their chief complaints were, that they were tixcd to carry on a war against the Hause Towns, in which they had no interest : and because the King sent Danes, as Governor.^ and other officers, into Sweden, who op- pressed the people. Tliesc and other modes of injustice and oppres- sion, caused the Swedes to go into open revolt, which compelled the King again to convoke a meeting of the deputies of the three na- tions at Calmar, where the Union was renewed, on tlie king binding himself to respect and preserve the privileges ot the Swedes, and for the future not to entrust any of their strong places to the care of foreigners. He did not however regard his promises and pledges, but soon acted in a most tyrannical manner towards all the three nations : who compelled him to surrender his Crown. Another king was chosen, according to the Union of Calmar. under whom the three Nations contiuncd united for a short period, until his death. Circumstances then rendered it needful for the Estates of the three Countries to e!cct a King ; but the Swedes refused to concur, and chose for their Kin"; one of their own countrymen The Danes and Norwegians united in also electing a king for themselves Constant disturbances and strifes between the three nations occurred, tlirouiih a number of years, until ir)14. when deputies from e:ieh Nation, again met at Calmar, pursuant to the requisition of the Danish King, who designed thereby to bring Sweden under his rule, agreeably to the first Calmar Union ; but the Swedish deputies refused to join in electing the King of Denmark and Norway as their Sovereign. On their return from the Assemblv. an Administrator of the ^iovernment of Sweden was chosen by the authorities of the nation. X war soon followed between the Danish King and Swclen ; and after severe battles were fought, the Swedes were completely subdued and were united to Denmark. The King treated them as a conquered people, and inflicted upon them the greatest cruelties during several years. At length the celebrated Gustavus Vasa appeared to redress the wrongs of his country : and under his leadership, Sweden revolted, and chose him for her king, and in the war which ensued with Den- mark, sueccedcd in obtaining entire freedom from Danish rule: and 23 Sweden has ever since continued a separate and independent king- dom. At several times snice, wars have taken place between the two nations : but neither has again succeeded in subjugating the other. Heferi ing to Norway, we find that it was con([uercd by Denmark in lOol) ; and as ahead" mentioned, was one of the national parties in the tripartite I'nion of Calmar ; and like the others, under that arrangement, was to retain its own peculiar laws, privileges, and customs. About the vear lool), and atter Sweden had broken off from the Union, Norway also revolted from the Danish rule, hut was subdued and still retained by Denmark ; but on a .second re- volt, through oppressive measures, it was again subdued, and its independence eutiridy destroyed, under a decree of the king of Denmark, which declared, that Norway should no longer be in any respect a separate State, but should ever after reiuaiu a part of the kingdom of Denmark. This condition ofNorway continued until the y(>ar 1815, when the allied Powers who had ovcu'come the great Napoleon, ceded Norway to Sweden ; and ever since it has remained a part of that kingdom. From all the foregoing facts, relating to that Calmar Confederation, and the political af- fairs of the three nations, it will be seen, that at no time, during the 8o0 years which have elapsed since 103(5, has Noi'way been an independent State ; but having been the weakest of the three Na- tions, though placed on equality in that confederacy, yet it has al- ways since b(>en subject either to Denmark or Sweden ; and in consequence, has been greatlv hnrrassed and oppressed Ijv wars, and in various other modes. In the instance of these three nations, '; as here given from history, is also seen a failure of the truth of the asserted invarial)le maxim, that T'nion is {Strength, and ahvavs af- fords security and other political advantages. About two years ago, the King of Sweden and Norw.iv issued a joint Commission, for framing a new Union between the two Nations ; and it was recently stated in a T.ondon Journal, that tin; Commissioners have agreed on the terms, and have made a luqiort, which is to be submitted for the assent of the two legislatiu-es. I3v the Scheme reported, the two Countries are left in the i)resent state of equality and internal government. Each Nation is to re- main a free, indivisible, independent Kingdom : but both united 24 tinder one king; with '• mutual c(iuiility and paialU;! position.' The existing Council of State, composed often Swedes, and three Norwegians, is to be replaced by a Council of an equal Number of each Nation, to whom is to bo referred all measures affecting the two Nations, in common ; and to all pro2)o.sitions for any change in the Union. — Should the contin<'encv of tlie choice of a King arise, — a Convention of 80 deputies, chosen by each nation, and formed under a Commission, shall make the election. o. Germany. From the most reliable history it appears that, in thi' very earliest ages, the G(;rman people Avere composed of several iudc- pendent tribes, each having its own ciiieftaiu and other ofhcers. All the tribes had nearly the same language and customs and habits, and similar laws and rci^ulations as to tlieir ixeueral and domestic affairs. About thi; third christian century dilfcrent Con- federations were formed among the tribes fir their common defence against the Romans ; but that colossal power, at si'veral periods, by the invasions and force of its trained legions, brought the most of the brave but undisciplined tribes uudej- its subjec- tion, and tributarv terms and cfz-v^eral u-overnment, as a part oi the Empire. After a lapsie of ages, the mighty potentate called Charlemagne united all (jermany under his sceptre : but very soon after his decease, the great Dukes and Counts ot Germany parcelled out their lu-reditary p().^s(>ssious anions; their feudal barons, and these among their iiumediati' vassals. 'Ihe Kings and Emperors in Germany were at first eh;eted by the people at large ; but subse([uently in Diets, comjiosed of the heads of certain great princely families and oth(u- hi ;h dignitaries. When the first Napoleon overran (iermany, most of the princes of its southern and Avesteru divisions separated from the Germanic Constitution and formed themselves into a league, under the protection of Napoleon, and took the title of '• the Confede- rated States of the Rhine." Jiy the Act ot Confederation, their common interests wwv to be discussed and determined in an assembly divided into two colleges of Kings and Princes. The members of the Confederacy were to be independent of foreign '5 powers ; the Emperor Niipolcou to be protector of the alliance, and all the Princes, Counts, isic, within the circle of the confede- rated territory, were to be subject to the alli.uice. In consequence of this Confederation, tlie Cernian Emperor, on concluding a peace with Napoleon, absolved all his Cerman States and Ero- vinces of the Empire from the reciprocal duties toward?; the Em- pire, and renounced the title of Emperor of Germany, and assumed that of Emperor of Austria. With the fall of Napoleon a few years alter, tliat (,' on federation of the llhino was dismembered, by its several States successively joining the Allied Towers against Napoleon. Immediately after, in 1811, another Germanic Confederation was formed, which the document containing its terms declared was intended to secure the independence and inviolability, and preserve the Internal peace of the States named and included tlu'rein. TIk' iollowing are some of the principal stipulations of tlu^ (yontederacy : — '• The inde- pendence and integrity of tin- State.-, connected with thi^ right of examining disputes l)erwecu the members of the Confed(u-ation and fin-eign State>. The nuitual protectiou of the States against each other, or I he preservation of the (.'oufcderacy. The Internal tranquility of the separate States is h^ft to (he care of the respec- tive goverii!)ieiil> : but in ca-e <>t' the ix'slstancc of the subjects to their i^-oNerumeiit, the ( 'oiil',';lera'iou may assist the latter. The establisiiiiicur of rrproLMitutive const itutioiis In all the States be- longing to tho ( ■oiiirdeiatieii. The estal)li'-hmcnt oi' a common civil law in ( jerinauy."" A fow years r.go. au liisroriau wrote on this C'ouledcr.itlou In the following terms, which, from all the facts on the subject, seem ^uilieicntly warraiited : — '• (iernnmy thus presents agciiu the semblance of a political whole, which, in reality, possesses no strength, v\cn In time of ])eace, as many instances show. It is only necessary to me.ition the fruitless decrees of the Gerinanic Diet, respecting the arbitrary ordinances of the h'.leclor of Ilesse-Cassel against the holders of tlu' old dominion: the excesses and follies of the Didve of Brunswick; and the v/ant of any general system for promoting the internal navigation of the country. In time of war Its InsulHcIeney must be still more; apparent.'* In addition to the troubles alludcHl to in this extract, it might be shown that there have been I'rcquently political agitations ami strifes between the States ol" the Confederation, which, as in so many other instanees, have clearly sliown that confederations of States or Provinces, tven by people of the same language, and of similar institutions and customs, very rarely increase or establish permanent strength and security, oi- social peace and prosperity. Where those elements or essentials are wantin<; in anv such Con- federacy, the political blessings just mentioned are scarcely ever found to result, but, on the contrary, jealousies and strifes very frecpiently ensue, producing general weakness, diminished pros- perity, and various other forms of political (>vil and unhappiness. That last (German Confederation hai- vi-ry lately been broken and virtualh' destroyed, chiefly by Prussia, who became its most powerful member, by the superiority of its military force, having compelled the submission of a number of the States, incorporating some of them into its own dominions, and placing others almost entirely under its dictating influence or authority. 4. Holland and ]^KL(iiuM. During a long course of ages, the Batavian States, or Nether- lands, as tliey were subsequently called, were subject to foreign powers. First to the llomans ; next to some of the northern tribes who overran Europe ; and hiter, lor a long period, under the absolute rule and cruel oppressions of Spain. This tyranny was at length overcome through the undaunted etibrts of the people of the States, under the h-adrrshlp of the princes of the House of Orangi', combined Avith liritish aid ; and the seven States became, arid for a long time continued, the pi'osperous Re- public of Holland. Tn the eailv part of the first I'^rench llevolu- tion, Ijclgium was conquered from Austria by tlie armies of Franco ; and a fvw years i\{tcv, Holland was also conquered by the French, under Napoleon, who made Ills brother, Louis. King of Holland. During the French rule, this last country, like several others, suffered various severe opjiresslons. In the year 1814, when the Allied Powers overcame Napoleon, Holland and Belgium came under their jiower, and the Ihitish Cabinet accom- 27 plished its often projected scheme, and Jielgium was united with Holland, and the Prince of Orange was made king of both nations, under the title of tlie King of the Netherlands. This arbitrary and incongruous union continued only sixteen years ; and in 1830, a revolution in Belgium tjok place. It commenced with a meeting in that year at Brussels, principally composed of its citizens. It appears that the people of the llelgian Provinces were never cordiallv united with Holland raid the other Dutch Provinces, The king, with but little success, attempted to unite two millions of Dutch Calvinists — engaged principally in com- merce — with four millions of Belgian Catholics — employed in agriculture and manufactures,— whose language, interests, man- ners, and customs, were widely opposed to the Dutch. They had also, it is said, some just cause of complaint against the king's government. The Belgian's therefore rose and threw oif a go- vernment forced upon them against their will. They declared themselves hi dependent ; and with some aid ironi France, after a short struggle with the Dutcli, the European powers became mediators between them ; and a dissolution of their I'nion was agreed upon, and Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg was chosen and accepted as King of Belgium. Ever since the final arrangement of the terms of separation, peace has continued between the two nations. This instance, like several others which history records, proves that Unions or Confederations of States composed of people dif- fering in language, laws, customs, and on other material points, especially when ell'ected bv injustice and cominilshni of any kind, do not confer sfni>n lished the indepenclenco of Switzerland, and granted her n new Constitution, adding three Cantons — making the whole number twenty-two. liy this Constitution, each Canton has its |own dis- tinct internal government, and the general government is vested in a Diet, composed one member from each Canton. One of the chief characteristics of the Swiss is a love of free- dom. How different is this free and rfjtail Confederation of the Swiss Cantons from the present Confederation of the British North American Provinces, Avliich, in both houses of the General Parlia- ment and Executive Government, gives such a numerical superi- ority to the two Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario over the two Maritime Provinces, and takes from the latter nearly all their sources of revenue, as well as Provincial appointments and institutions, public works, and means of separate government. (>. Umtkd Stat lis oi Ametuca. The first Confederation of these States, then only thirteen in number, was formed in the war with Great Britain, for obtaining their independence. In about five years after that object was at- tained, that Union wn^ found to be so defective, that a Convention was formed, composed of the politically wisest and most competent men, as delcsfatcs from the several States, to confer and deliberate tion the whole subjects submitted ; and to frame a Constitution for all the States. After many months of deep and enlarged delibe- ration, and mutual conference, and full examination on the vari- ous points of the great subject they formed a scheme for such a Constitution. It was finally agreed to by all tlie States, and the principal articles of it form the basis and main Stipulations and portions of the Confederation, under which these States continued until the commencement of the late drealful and calamitous civil war between those of them in the Northern, and those in the South- ern portions of their immensely extended territory. With reference to the unfavorable conclusion already intimated, concerning political confederations, intended to be established in this portion of the present Essay, it is not needful to mention even the principal articles of that constitution. It may suffice to say. that considering^ the favorable cireumstances under which it was formed, as regarded the several States, their unanimity on the sub- ject ; and the high character of the men who framed it, as to sincere patriotism, eminent skill, and dispassionate and superior judgment as Statesmen, scarcely ever has there been a political confederacy, which seemed more likely to bo of very extended duration ; and to ensure national prosperity and public advantages of every des- cription. But alas, as to general peace and harmony, and unani- mity of patriotic and other good feelings, what a sad reverse has, as yet, been exhibited in their comparatively brief history. Dif- ferences, and keen controversies between the Northern and South- ern States very speedily commenced, and became more and more intensified and endiittered; chiefly through opposite opinions as to iSegro Slavery, and tariffs of duties in trade and commerce. Through these causes, especially tlie former, open and fierce hos- tilities between those States of the North and of the South com- menced in 18()1, and continued upwards of four years, producing an enormous sacrifice of life and property, and every other evil and alliiction of Civil war. After prodigies of bravery and endur- ance on both sides, the (.'ombatants of the South, as we all know, were conquered by their opponents of the North ; and the recon- struction of the Union has not yet been accomplished, although efforts are being made by the General Ciovernment for effecting it* These States have afforded an additional^ instance in proof, that political Confederations do but s(>ldom or ever secure protracted continuance and strengtii and general peace and prosperity, where the institutions and interests, and the habits and manners of the respective populations are raaterially different. 7, Great Bkitain and Iueland. It is a notorious and historical fact, which none will now venture to deny, that the present Union between these Countries was ac- complished, chiefly through seducing and corrupt means and in- fluences of various descriptions. It is not therefore needful, t j give any special or detailed exposure of them here. The Union having been thus effected, it could scarcely, on religious and moral grounds^ be supposed, that any political or other good effects would generally result from it. On tlu; part of a very largo ma- jority of the population of Ireland, there has been constant aver- sion, or even hatred to liritish rule, produeing numerous plots, and conspiraeies, and popular agitations against that rule ; and several op a rebellions, attended with bl(»odshed, and various public and privati! evils and alflictions. 01" late years, and at present, that disaffection, and those distressing results have become nearly, if not quit(\ as alarming and injurious, as at any previous period ; and mure extended in their range of operation, having reached these North American l^rovinces as well as I'iUglaiid itself, 1 have no intention, indeed it would be rather presumptuous, to express an opinion here a>; to wliich of the two great eonlUcting parties, — the Imperial ruling Authorities, — or the disaffected Irish people, — are blameal)le, or the most to I)lam(', for the causes and occurrence of those various public evils. My design here, in treating thus briefly of this Cniou, and its distressing and injurious results, is merely to exhibit it, as another instance, that political Unions of ('ountriea, whose respective populations are entirely, or in a large proportion, of dilfereut predilections, habits, and customs, and most especially, if of opposite religious sentiments, do not produce or iiicrriiae Na- tional or general strength, or power, l)ut on the contrary, distrust, disaffection, and general weakness, with many other public disad- vantages and injuries. In the immediately preceding pages, w/y// instances Jiave been given of Confederations of different Nations, or States, being O CI nearly the whole number of the jirincipal political alliances, or arrangements of that nature, of which m'c have any satisfactory or reliable information, from the histories of ancient and modern civilised nations. From the facts given, as to the several instances, it will be seen, that in all of them, national agitations, bitter aliena- tions, and Strifes, almost immediately ensued, and continued to prevail ; and also open and destructive wars, more or less frequent- ly ; thereby weakening their means and power of resistance, against foreign invasions and aggressions ; and in several of the instances, idtimating leading t j the subjection of most, or the whole of the members of the confedcracv, to some foreign nation, and its absolute rule ; thus refuting the assertion, so often dogmatically 32 advaiucd, that political Unions always confer strength, and other general advantages. Now let us see how this maxim, that " Union is strength," applies and is true, as to any inercascd power of defence against enemies ; and as to peace and the general welfare and happiness, in the case of the present Confederation of the four North Ame- rican Provinces. In all the time previous to its heiiig etl'ccted, the Province of Nova Scotia was so universally and thoroughly loyal, and attached to the Imperial rule, and ou such good terms ou every subject with the whole of Canada, that if it had been invad- ed from any foreign (piarter, or its political safety or welfare had been in danger from internal hostilities, the Militia force of Nova Scotiii. to any recjuired extent, would have readily and cheerfully gone forth to its assistance. But if either or both of the Canadian Provinces were now under any such dangerous circumstances, would Nova Scotia furnish such assistance with the like readiness, or ailbrd it at all .'' Ev*en il" compulsion Avere attempted, it Avould most i)robal)ly b.' un.ivailablo for effecting the purpo.se. Here, then, would be an additional proof, that political Unions ot States do not always produce increased pow(?i', l)ut on the contrary, in most instances, weakness, as well as alienations and strife. 'L'hey often engender even l)iiter and lasting enmity. Let it further be supposed, that the Imperi.i! powers entirely relinquished and withdrew their autlu)rity and rule from the present Confederation, and declared the Dominion an entirelv independent nation, how long would the Conledeiation last. Not a week would elapse beibre Nova Scotia, with its limited population, would set the two millions of (iuebee and Ontario at defiance, and send oil." every Canadian Official to the place from whence they eame ; and Nova Scotia Avould declare itself an independent State. If the Canadian should endeavour to compel Nova Scotia to remain Avith them under the paper union, they could not accomplish it. The great distance — and hundreds of miles of it a wilderness, and the Province of New BrunsAvick intervening, Avhere they Avould get no aid, together Avitli the large and resolute Nova Scotia opposing force would completely repel and frustrate the mad and wicked attemp NoAV, here again, in this supposed case, would " Union" b f 33 "Strength." It is altogether improbable that such a case will ever occur, but suppositiously put, it serves to show that compelled Unions do not confer strength, with reference to the prevention or suppression of internal dissension?, or open hostilities, between their members. To show that this common, but often misapplied saying, that " Union is Strength," was not, in its origin, meant to apply to na- tions or States, I will here relate for the information of some, by whom, and how, the saying was first uttered and applied. It was thus : — The wise and affectionate head of a large family, in order the more effectually to instruct and warn his children against any disagreements, or alienations among them, took, in their presence, a bundle of small twigs, and having bound them firmly together, showed the children that scarcely any force coidd break all the twigs while so united. Then separating them he further showed, that it was quite easy to break each twig, and thus readily destroy the whole of them. This was indeed an impressive and excellent symbol, to inculcate and recommend a close and affectionate union and kindly intercouse among all the members of the family, and for the promotion of their common interests, and general and in- dividual welfare. With this most significant symbol before them, he then gave them the saying, Avhich, after a time, became a com- mon motto, or maxim — "Union is Strength." It Is thus seen, that in its origin, it had no reference whatever to political Unions, or Confederations of any kind ; nor can it be applied to them with any propriety, or under any appropriate similitude. In a family, the members of it are bound together by the sympathies and other ties of the same kindred ; and by common feelings and interests, as to family reputation, and successful efforts for the advancement of each and all, in worldly emoluments and honors. But those ele- ments and motives for Union^ do not exist with separate nations and States. Each has its own distinct predilections, and attach- ments, and institutions, objects, and interests ; and also the special or peculiar customs and habits of its people. The differences on these and various other points, in the case of a Confederation of any two or more of such nations, inevitably give rise to jealousies and contentions^ more or lees severe, for pre-erainenccj superior power^ S4 and political .idvantagcs ; producing injuries to all the mcmberft of the Union, as seen in the instances which have been given ; and generally terminating in tiio dest.uction of the Tnion, cither by civil war, or a foreign enemy. Any such Union of States may l)e likened to the case of two families. These, when living in the same street or neighbourhood . or even in adjoining habitations, will be on friendly or peaceable terms ; but put them in the same house, and how soon will they disagree, and become troublesome to each other ; and so alienated, that they will soon be found in separate tenements. In the present Confederation of the rrovince.s, Quebec, as to geographical position, is nearly in their centre. Its population is not far from a million, chiefly French, having their own long-es- tablished, peculiar, and unchanging laws and institutions, customs and habits — all very dissimilar from those of Nova Scotin, as also from those of the two other Provinces. So great indeed are the difi'erenccs. that it would seem to be both a natural and moral im- possibility to form, as to those points, any real political Union, agreement, or uniformity, between that large French population and the rest of the Dominion population, especially those of the two Maritime Provinces, which latter, in all the foregoing particu- lars, are nearly the same. There are also considerable diflerences between the population of Ontario, and of each of the two Mari- time Provinces. In the former there is a very much larger pro- portion either born in the United States or their immediate descendants. Such is the case in the cities of Toronto and Hamil- ton, and also in many other toAvns and places in that Province. Consequently, the institutions, customs, and habits of its popula- tion are, in a considerable degree, different from those of the Nova Scotia people, Toronto and Hamilton are in the particulars just mentioned, and in Avhat may be called their general complex- ion, especially the latter city, very much like the cities and towns on the other side of the Lake^ or rather like what are sometimes called Yankee toAvns. But, further, very small portions of the inhabitants of Quebec and Ontario, especially of the latter, are engaged in the fishing occupation ; but a very large proportion of the population of Nova Scotia follow that employment, whose 80 interests are, on many points, dissimilar from those of the agri- cultural and manufacturing population of Ontario. Should the proposed purchase of the North Western Territory and Rupert's land be cH'ected, there will be many other and great dissimilari- ties as to population, institutions, habits, and pursuits. There will be added numerous bands of fur-hunters and trappers of various nation.'?, including Indian tribes, and mixed and rather wild and rovin; people of very diit'erent customs and habits from those of the rest of the population of the Dominion, and most probably of a generally inferior character. Such a Confederation would be similar to one composed of the populations of England, France, Italy, Holland, and some of the wild tribes in the fur regions of Russia. Tiiosc regions are not at a greater distance from England than Nova Scotia is from most parts of that Xorth Western Ter- ritory and Rupert's land. If (-'olumbla and Vancouver's Island, on the Pacific coast, are to be added, as seems to be intended, the whole Dominion will comprise a greater extent of territory than is comprehended within all the nations of Europe, from Great Britain to the northern bounds of Russia. To say nothing of ap- propriate laws and equitable considerations, as well as public ar- rangements and conveniences as to governments and the adminis- tration of political affairs, in such a combination, or rather con- glomeration, of people and things, the absurdity of it is so great as to ensure its condemnation by every unprejudiced and sensible person. Several oi the Confederations which have been herein men- tioned, were formed chiefly for affording a greater power of re- sistance and protection against foreign aggressions and attacks, and in all of them, but the two last-mentioned — those of the United States and Great Britain and Ireland — each of the Con- federated States retained its own separate and independent govern- ment, laws, and institutions, and rights and privileges, and entire management of all its internal civil affairs. Compared with that condition of those last-mentioned States, how stringent and be- reaving are the provisions and enactments of the present British North American Confederation, as regards these two Maritime Provinces. By the Act on the subject, nearly every existing 36 source of revenue and all public works and buildings have been taken from them. They are deprived of the choice or power as to the appointment to judiciary offices. They are placed under great inequalities as to representatives in both of the Houses of the Dominion Parliament and in the Executive Government. They are deprived oi the power of making any laws or regula- tions as to trade or commerce of any kind, or agriculture, or im- migration, postal service, marriage and divorce, banks and bank- ing, ferries between the Provinces or between the Imperial or foreign nations, or as to canals, steamboats, dredges and public vessels, rivers and lakes, improvements, marine hospitals, and even such small public institutions and affairs as local penitentaries, census, beacons and buoys, saving banks, inland fisheries in lakes and rivers, and, of course, the appointment of ofhcers to attend to their regulation ; with several other small public matters, which surely might most appropriately have been left to each Provincial Legislature and Government. Not even a room in a public build- ing can be occupied by a Prouincial Legislature, or for any Pro- vincial office, but by the special pcnnissio?! and (i.ssig/nncnf, of the Dominion Government. It may fairly be concluded, that all these bereaving and humili- ating enactments have been purposely made, the better to assist towards speedily or ultimately effecting the unjust and absurd design of abolishing all the Provincial legislatures and govern- ments, and bringing under one parliament and government the whole of the British North American possessions, from the island of Newfoundland to the Pacific Ocean — a distance of nearlv four thousand miles ; more than a thousand miles greater than the dis- tance between Great Britain and the continent of America. A more politically absurd and distracting measure was never ima- gined. A part of that design is now attempted to be accom- plished by the purchase of the possessions of the Hudson's Bay Gompany. From several circumstances it appears to be a further design of the Dominion government to equip, arm and pay very large Militia forces, and have them under trainiu!^' for greatly increased periods, yearly, throughout the Dominion ; and doubtless, also, a 87 considerable naval force on the Canadian Lakes, and to erect several extensive fortifications in Quebec and Ontario. The ac- complishment of these purposes will require enormous public expenditures. There seems also to be almost a certainty that an innneuse sum will shortly be advanced by the Dominion to relieve the embar- rassments and to repair the lines and other ]3roperty of the Grand Trunk Railway Company, which are entirely within the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The expenditures and advances for all the foregoing objects will so greatly increase the general taxation as to render the burden of it most oppressive, and altogether intol- erable, especially to the two Maritime Provinces, which do not require any such expenditures, and Avill not recei\ ^> from them any benefit whatever. That single and vast dominion, which has been mentioned as intended to be formed, would answer very well for a few specu- lative and ambitious politicians; but how would it do for the mil- lions of the people, many of whom would be obliged to travel 1500 or 3000 miles to the Parliament or seat of Government to make their applications for their redress of grievances, or for any other purposes ? liiU such mutters, and other affairs of the people generally, are of very little importance with the class called pro- fessed politicians and statesmen. With reference to the subject of that further extended Dominion, it is well for Nova Scotia that it is now undergoing, and will yet undergo, such further injurious effects of a political C'onlederation forced upon its people, that it will be long indeed, or never, that there will appear within its borders another baud of political apostates to their country's rights and interests, who will have the power to accomplish that further bereaving and unrighteous design, just mentioned, of abolishing the local legislatures and governments, and having only the one parliament and government for the whole Dominion. Mewing all the facts and re.isons on the whole subject, in relation to the rights and interests of this I'rovince, it may well be ho|)ed and expected that our local parliament will, in its present session, make such a constitutional and earnest representation to the Im- perial Parliament and Government as will, before long, lead to a 38 separation of Nova Scotia from a Confederation so repulsive, and even hateful, to the vast body of its people, and so injurious as regards its peace and loyalty, its interests and happiness. In now drawing to a conclusion, I feel well warranted in confi- dently asserting that the facts which have been given, and the arguments employed under the several propositions advanced, have quite sufficiently verified and maintained thetn. As to the first proiJosition — that of the Divine overruling government of the world, — none who believe m Ivcvealed Truth will doubt or deny it. The next, and, indeed, the chief proposition — that of the Divine will and intention that each nation and country shall possess its own territories and laws, institutions, civil rights and customs, free of the dominion or dictating power or influence of any other nation or country — has also been sufficiently sliown by the numerous historical facts, scriptural and secular, which have been advanced. This truth has also been shown, that where there have been exceptions to that general divine intention, they have been permitted for the purpose of executing some national chastisement, or other divine arrangements. The further propo- sition has also been proved that Unions or Confederacies of na- tions have, in nearly every instance, been attended with internal political agitations and contentions; often civil wars, general politi- cal weakness, and ultimately the destruction of the Confederacy, either by internal wars or foreign concjuest and dominion. Lastly, that Nova vScotia has cocrcicebj and unjusthj been deprived of her Constitution and all her most important sources of revenue and civil rights and privileges ; and further humihated and injured, through her weak, or rather powerless reprcscnttUion in both branches of the Dominion Parliament, and in the Executive Go- vernment, as has so recently been shown. These, with some other injurious facts and events as to taxation, and on other sub- jects, which have lately taken place ; and others nearly and darkly ■portending, are too genei'ally known to our people to require any further facts and arguments to establish the melancholy truth, that by this Confederation Nova Scotia is deeply injured, and very far removed from the state of internal tranquility, secular prosperity, and general -welfare previously enjoyed. 39 From this most unhappy political condition there is no way of escape or deliverance, and no other mode of preventing further and greater evils and afflictions to our people than by an entire separation from a compelled Union, which they view as not only injurious to their niteress, but as liumUhiting and oppressive, and consequently odious. It is not difficult to discover the chief motive and the policy which induced the Imperial powers to desire and effect this Con- federation. They have an anxious and constant dread of these American Provinces, by some means or other, becoming a part of the bordering United States. It is this doleful apprehension, and not any desire to promote the commercial or other interests of the Provinces which has also led them so imperatively to provide for the immediate construction of the Intercolonial Railway, to serve for the conveyance ot troops and the munitions of war in the event of hostilities with those States, and the Canadian Provinces being invaded by their military and naval forces. As a matter of prudent policy, there is notliing to censure in making all needful arrangements for being well prepared to meet and overcome such a threatened or impending evil, provided the means employed for making such preparation are consistent with a due regard to jus- ti-^e aud righteousness towards all affected by such precautionary measures. But, on «this point, there has been a very serious and injurious failure, as well as a mistaken and "disastrous political policy in bringing Nova Scotia into the ('onfederation in the com- pulsonj manner in which it has been done. By this imprudent and unjust procedure, instead of any additional strength being ob- tained for resisting any such hostilities ])y the adjacent States, there is a very general and deplorable diminution of the best and most available means for such resistance. That compulsory policy towards this Province by the Imperial powers has been extremely imprudeut, is now dangerously perplexing, and also ominous of many further evil results, and is such as greatly to impair and weaken confidence in their constitutional and equitable rule, and in their justice, honor and magnanimity generally towards the Colonies of the Empire.