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A SPEECH BY ERASTUS WIMAN, Brooklyn, N. Y., December 9, 1891. NEW YORK: 31-4: i^i-OELci-w-ay. ^ ■f 1947 c. : UNION UBTWEEN THE \ TJiTiTED States and Cai^ada: Political or Cominercial,— Which is Desirable and Which is Presently Possible ? [From the Brooklyn Standard-Union, December 10, 1891.] The Union League Club, Brooklyn, N. Y., was recently addressed, on the question of Canadian Annexation, by Mr. Francis Wayland Glenn, who, though an American, was formerly a member of the Canadian Parliament, and is now a resident of Brooklyn. His principal contention was, that to promote Eeciprocity between the United States and Canada would have the effect of postponing indefinitely the Annexation ^f that country. A pohtical union, he urged, was the only desirable relation to exist between the two portions of the continent ; but if all the advantages of a political union could be secured by reci- procity, there would be little or no possibility of a closer and intimate political relation existing for many years to come At the request of the Union League Club, last night Mr Erastus Wiman discussed the topic of the future possible relations between the two countries, and for the ■ v.- Unton of United States and Canada. i' ■/hM purpose of broadly coiisisum, asbestos and other minerals, Mr. Wiman set forth in glowing terms, as the possessions of his native l^ land. Eeturning to the area of Canada, he said, many people / speak of annexing Canada, little dreaming of its future proportions. Even at the start, if all the Provinces and Territories became separate commonwealths, no less than eleven States would be added to the Union, several of them as large as New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio com- bined. Therefore, the question of a political union implied a comprehensiveness not generally attributed to it. ^ ) Union of United States and Canada. Mr. Winiaii described the diflferonce botween a rolitical Union and a (commercial Union. A Political Union meant that the whole of the Dominion of Canada shonld become incorporated in the United States, and that the varions Provinces shonld become independent and distinctive commonwealths. That the same relation shonld exist between these commonwealths as exists now between the States of the Union, and that the government of the entire continent should be vested in Washington, as it is noAV for half the continent. A political union was therefore clearly understood. A Commercial Union, however, might be of a varied character. It might, for instance, partake of the character of a ZoUverciii, as illustrated by the German Customs Union. This implied a uniform i jtariff all over the continent, — the tariff to be created by ^Hthe largest party to the compact. In other words, the customs line that now runs athwart the continent v/ould be lifted up and put right around the continent, so that the same duties would prevail at A^ancouver and Halifax as at San Francisco, New York and other American ports. The revenue derivable from this uniform tariff would, under these circumstances, be pooled into a common fund, and divided pro rctta ac^^ording to population. No interference would be offered in the separate expenditure of each nationality, but trade should be as unrestricted along the 4,000 miles border line as it is now between the lines ot the various States. The result would be a perfect unification, in so far as a commercial policy was con- cerned, though distinctive governments would still prevail. A different system of Commercial Union, however, seems more probable just now, and that would take the shape of Unrestricted Eeciprocity between the two coun- cal mt mo )I1S ve ist he re ow )re fcr, A StupcndouH Ecent. 7 tries. This reciprocal jwliey wouhl mean a perfect ex- change between the two countries of all natural and manufactured jncxlucts. It would still, Imwever, mean a taritf ])ractically uniform, or at least, that the Canadian tariti' slnmld not he lower than the Am<'rican tariff, and it would erinciples of self-;,'overnment, the abundjince of opportunity,' the ample rewards attendant upon industry, inventive skill, enterprise and unbounded eneijiy, have had a demonstration in the United States elsewhere un- known. The influence ui)on the human race at larj^e of the growth in this direction has been beyond estimate. All the world has watched with intense interest the rapidity of evolution cm this side of the sea. The influ- ence of the principles which have animated this people have not been confined to themselves, but have be?n universal in their eftect. Perhaps no contrast to-day is more marked, as between two people, than that which can now be made between America on one side and llussia on the other. Notwithstanding* great wealth, and productive iiower, one shudders to contemplate the horror of existence amidst that vast area presided over by the Czar, where famine, imprisonment, treason, Nihilism and liopelessness prevail. Compare the conditions affecting large sections of humanity in liussia with those univer- sally existing in America! How free, how happy and how full of hope are the people of this fair land! What a grand past have they made secure! What a magnificent future seems equally certain! In Russia, with all the natural advantages of wide area, of great productive forces, of vast accumulations of centuries and ample experience, there seems more than the usual share of sorrow, suspicion and blighted prospects. In this country with the experience of only a century, with a government that was experimental, with capital that was inadequate, a progress and a degree of human happiness has been t 1 Progress Prevented. 9 Ir- le ►f IV, e iti- of < / attained at which all the world wtunlers. The result, therefore, to inaiikind at larj^e ol'tlu! development on the North Anieriean (M)ntinent is nune important and more tar reaching, than the aehievenients of all the rest of the world within the same period. A greater def»ree of hapi)i- nesa, found in an almost unlimited num])er of homes, a self-reliance and growth in intelligence, a broadened ojiportunity, and a fuller life has been lived than otherwise could have been imagined, had not there been achievearties. The coiubiuations and calciiljitious of politicians the country over wouhl be entirely at sea if the Roman CathoUc vote in Quebec on the one hand, and the Orange-Protestant vote in Ontario on the other were not accurately weighed and measured. The Senate ot the United States, now equally balanced, would be swayed and controlled by the balance of power, which would rest in the new additions of twenty -two members from no less than eleven Provinces, which under annex- ation would become States of the Union. An addition of twenty-tAYO Senators would be a serious matter to con- template, and especially twenty-two Senators with an imperfect knowledge of the past in this country. Indeed, when one comes down close to the consequences in legis- lation, and administration, of taking over so vast an area, and w ith interests so complex and diverse, it would seem as if a condition of long and careful i)reparedness for this vast change should take idace, not only in Canada, but in the United States. There are so many questions confronting the people of this country in the vast experiment of self government which they are now endeavoring to solve, that to precipitate into the vortex of practical politics a totally unknown and foreign element, w^ould be dangerous in the extreme. Thus, the question of the colored race; the question of the currency, as related especially to silver; the problems surrounding the banking system ; the ^nigration problem, anv 14 Union of United States and Canada. government lands, irrigation and such local matters. In a very little while too, the question of area might seri- ously disturb the balance of i)ower between the different sections of the Union. Thus, the two Provinces of Ontario and Quebec are in extent equal to the combined areas of New York, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wis- consin, and the extent of their rei)resentation in half a century would change the complexion of the represen- tative bodies of the nation. ... ASSIMILATION UNDULY TAXED. But, there are other considerations, and one of these is that of the ability of the United States to assimilate at once, and immediately, the diverse elements of which the British Provinces are composed. The faith of most Americans in the force of the assimilative process is un- questioned, and is based on marvellous results. Up to this period, notwithstanding the infinite variety and com- plicated nature of the yearly foreign additions to the pop- ulation, the W' onderful process of digestion into the body politic has gone forward without hesitation. But at one gulp to take in five '^^^lions of j)eople, who have an expe- rience of their own in self-government, and who are in [some degree prejudiced, somewhat self-assertive, and more than usually self-reliant, would be an experiment ot 'which there is no parallel. While it is true that these people are of the same lineage, speak the same language, have the same laws and the same literature, as of the United States, they are nevertheless sufficiently divergent to make the experiment somewhat hazardous. But, whatever Uiight be the result as to the English speaking portion of the new territory, there certainly would be serious and grave doubt as to how far the as- Assimilation Taxed. 15 similative process would apply to tUo rreuch-Canadian portion of the country to be taken in. It is true that the large emigration of French-Canadians which has come in "^ the direction of the United States, have shown a marked condition of contentment and apparent adaptation. Yet it is a fact that of all the races that have come to the United States, and who have taken part and lot in the great process of assimilation, this race is the only one that has maintained a distinctive nationality, and a distinctive language. Thus, in New England, the French people are to-day more French than any other race are distinctively national. The French language prevails in some Xew England towns to an extent almost as great as the Eng- lish language. The single fact that at all the new rail- way stations in New England, a dual language has to be employed in the .dgns and directions to the public, indi- cates the force and strength of the separate French idea which prevails in this community. If this is the condi- tion where the French people come as mere immigrants, and remain perhaps for only a brief period to earn money, how strong would be the sentiment if Quebec were a State in the Union. THE INFLUENCES OF A STATE CHURCH. Aside from this, however, one must always bear in mind the influence of the lioman Catholic Church in Quebec — an influence that to-day is greater in its force j and influence than prevails in any other country in the world. It is true that the central power of the United States does not interfere with religious matters, and that any State in the Union can have its own church if it chooses. It is equally true that the majority of the people in each State can regulate their religious affairs without 16 Union of United States and Canada. let or Lindrance, iiiid that, if (Quebec wore admitted to a Statehood, it would not matter to New York, or any other commonwealth, what religious persuasion prevailed among the majority of a sister State, or wiiat powers were imparted by that State to a religious institution. But it is a fact, nevertheless, that the forces wliich the Roman Catholic Church exercise in Quebec would have a most powerful influence upon the educational institu- tions of that commonwealth; and that from it would radiate an influence upon the common school system of the United States, which to many thoughtful minds ; would iseriously threaten its existence. To those who believe the common school is the basis of free institutions, such an anticipation is ful! of significance. Even at this date, the Roman Catliolic desire in ^lassachusetts for separate schools has acquired a force that is difficult to resist. The feeling of uncertainty in regard to the future in this respect has made many who have hitherto been advocates of a close political union with Canada, hesitate and closely consider the i)ossible consequences. This and other considerations show that the question from a United States view of a Political Union Avith Canada is one having results so stui^endous that it should not lightly be considered. It is a fashion to say that I Canada must fall as a ripe i)lum into the hands of the United States. It is a general nnpression that it is only necessary to use the proper means, and the whole conti- nent will be included in the Union. But a reflection will show that a condition of preparedness on both sides of the border is essential. A careful inquiry into the pos- sible results which w ould How from so imi)ortant an addi- tion to the territory is essent: ,1. Meancime, in the process of this condition of prei)aration, there is no good reason <'» A Poicntiality of Peace. 17 I) a lier led ers on. the avG itu- uld why a Political Union should not be promoted by those who desire it. If all that it achieves can, however, be brought about by a Coiniinucial Union, without the dan- gers and ooinplicatious which a Political Union would imply, why should there not be a Commercial Union! THE ADVANTACIES OF A SEPARATE EXISTENCE. The chief objection to Commercial Union is, that under it Canada would make great progress and become a great rival. There is a feeling that it would be dangerous to the Dnited States to permit a great country on the "K'orth to be built up. It is a bugbear which some statesmen raise, that a British colony having abundant success in development and growth, is a dangerous element so near to the Union. But this conclusion is hardly correct. The peaceable relations between the two countries, on the contrary, are rendered certain by the conditions that now prevail. Great Britain will certainly maintain her policy of peace with the United States under almost any stross,,^/ for she is constantly exposed to attack along a border [line of four thousand miles. She will be constantly on ler good behavior, if an area e(pial to forty per cent, of ler entire Empire, can be within a week practically occu- )ied and controlled by the United States. Equally ^ould the United States be careful in their treatment of Great Britain, if the magniftcent cities of the lakes, which it is impossible to fortify, are exposed at all times to attack by British gun-boats; or if in addition to attacks from two oceans in front, incursion from the land in the rear along so great a border line could be made. The system of defence which Great Britain has for years been perfecting is indicative of her strength in this regard. Armed and equipped at Bermuda is constantly a great 18 Union of United States and Canada. fleet, which can be strengthened at p jy time at Halifax, so that the whole United States Atlantic coast is, as it were, under surveillance. A great artery of land com- munication by the Intercolonial and the Canadian Pacific Railway runs athwart the entire continent to the Pacific Coast, on which powerful defences have been erected. In these harbors a navy constantly rides, that could make short work of the cities of the Pacific Slope. It may be said tbat it would be well to get rid of these menaces to the peace of the United States, but if they can be kept in check by the constant creation of a mutuality of interests, and the exposure of so great a portion of the British Em- pire to attack, a better purpose will be served towards peace than if the British Possessions were entirely to cease as such. A GREAT NATION ON THE NORTH. Thus, from a political point of view, as from a social, educational or religious, equally with the military advan- tage, it would seem as if it were better to leave matters as they are as between Canada and the United States. What is the danger resulting from the building up of a great nation on the North! The creation of such a nation as a customer of the United States would be highly advantageous to that country. Unless, indeed, it is intended that the United States shall be isolated from all others, and shall forever live within itself alone and seek no outlet, nothing but advantage would follow the creation of a group of great commonwealths on the North. Even as a great colony, such a growth and such a devel- opment could do no possible harm to the Republic. But if, instead of being a great colony, Canada became inde- pendent, — and having once became independent, assumed TmiJii the One Essential Tiling, 10 a form of government which would unquestionably bo Republican, as it must be in its scoi)0 and character, what better condition could prevail than this 1 A region as large as that of the United States itself, possessing resources of equal magnitude, supplementary in a rc^ markable degree to the resources of this country, why should not the creation of a sister republic on the North be infinitely more advantageous than the existence of numerous republics on the louth ? If the internal trade and commerce of the United States, wiiich is so large as almost to be without comparison to that of other countries, can be augmented fourfold by the development of the northern half of the continent, w^hat possible objection could there be should this development occur under a different and independent government ? True, it would be better to have it within the Union itself. But sui)pos- ing the difficulties to be overcome are so great, that time and a long series of circumstances are necessary, is it essential that there should be nothing done towards the creation of this trade and the development of these re- sources for the good of mankind, and especially for man- kind in the United States? THE I^TEED OF NORTHEKN MARKETS. If Political Union is a necessity for the growth of the North, the consequences of i)olitical union should be bet- ter understood than they are now. If, on the contrary, a Commercial Union could achieve all that annexation woul(t^ create, so far as trade and commerce are concerned, then should Commercial UnionintheshapeofEeciprocity, orin some other form, be intelligently discussed and under- stood. Certainly, so far as the United States is con- cerned, no event, in the possible category of events, could SM 20 J^nhm of United Sf((t('H and Canada. J f •• ^.^ f.' ■^-- L ' •% r L ( ^ !--% i 1 occur of iiioic iinportjiiicc tlisiii tliat which wouhl bc^ct an eiiornioMS (Icvclopnieiit in n countiy so iiosuly attached to licr, and toucliin<;- and intci lacing at so many ])oints the States of the Union. The productive forces of man u- factui-es in tlie Ignited States, stimulated by the protec- tive policy, are far in excess of the local consumption. Boots and shoes for a hundred millions, collars aud cufls for (Hie hundred and fifty millions, is the measure of many articles in output to serve a i)opulation of oidy sixty-iive milliims. Therefore a nuirket outside of the Tlniou is essential. This is being sought for in the South. But Southern naticmalities are thousands of miles away, peoyded by a class whose wants are few, whose average intelligence is meagre, and whose instability of govern- ment completely dc^stroys permanency in foreign trade, or safety in credits. Heavily subsidized means of commu- nication are necessary to reach this uncertain market, ;this limited demand. The best evidences of the limita- tion of this demand are seen in the fact, that in the last year, while the people of South America are fifty milli(ms in number, the amount of goods they have absorbed is less than at the rate of $1.50 each per capita. Meantime the people of Canada consumed American goods in spite of a high tarift' at the rate of $10 per head. THE DIFFICULTIES OF A FOREIGN TRADE. Aside from this, there are serious difficulties in the way of a foreign trade for the United States. Until a banking system is created, by which the exchanges can be effected in this country, England will levy a tribute upon every remittance that is made. Until a merchant marine is buUt by whlph goods can be conveyed in American bQ^tf^ii^s? England - ill levy a tribute for every % Barriers turned to Bonds. 21 r h pound of liu'ight there is moved. I'os.sibly liftiu** our- selves by our boot straps, we may l)y a i)rocess of subsi dies, and of d(;ad-l)eading- dear goods to tlieir destiiia tions, create, somethiug of a foreign trade witli tlie South. But it is a struggle against adverse eircunistanees, and it will take ycnirs to assume proportions eoinmensurate witli the output of American manufactories and the growth of American industries. Conditions entirely (liferent and much more favorable prevail regarding the trade to the Xorth. Xo subsidized line of steamers are needed, no distant markets require to be reached, no different people are found in this direction. On the (tontraiy, at every single point along a border line, nnparaHehMl in length, contact is had with this vr^st region, while means of lake and rail inter-communication throb and jjulsate across the dividing line of every State and ev<'ry ProviLce of the two countries. The lakes and rivers that are now barriers to divide the people may liecome bonds to unite them. It needs only that the barrier between the two be broken down, that the barbed wire fence that now divides them be lifted np, so that enngration might pour into that; Northern region, so tliat the development of its marvellous resources may take place, that trade should be created and a wealth pioduced, the extent of which no man can tell. To-day, because of over-production, the feature of the hour is corners and combinations, trusts and consoli- dations, to an extent that begins to be almost alarming. There is hardly any department of activity in wliich com- X)etition can be eliminated, in which production can be regulated, and in which i)rices can be fixed, but is shift- ing itself into the control of a few men. There are other pressing necessities in the United States that make »>o Union of United /States and Canada. esseutial au exxjansiou of bor borders, eveu if politically they caiuiot be enlarged. The whole equipment of the eountry is keyed up to a continued growth, the limita- tions of which are already reached. The railroad con- structor, the engine builder, the agricultural implement maker, and all other producers, want room for future opera- tions. But they want room not more than the i)eople will want it. Within fifty years, at much less than the present rate of growth, the population of the United States will reach the enormous aggregate of 150,000,000 of souls ! With no more new States to admit, with land already scarce,— and a land hunger already exists — with food i)roducts already so uncertain that within five years a cropftiilure would cause a cessation of exports: with all these circumstances impending, no question is quite so imi)ortant as to consider how it will be possible to get free and unrestricted access to the thousand miles square of wheat and pasturage lands in the Canadian l!^orthwest. To people these and all other agricultural sections of tlie Dominion with ready made customers for the United States, to enlarge the opportunity of every young man in the land, are the possibilities of the development of the rest of the continent. Until a larger market is afforded, until broadened opportunities are offered, and until a supply of free raw material is possible, these conditions must intensify. Hence, there is no question to-day be- fore the American people, more important than that which will afford to the merchants, manufacturers and traders of the community, an early fulfilment and practical applic:^tion ot the prophecy contained in the familiar lines : — I" No pent up Utica confines y^ur powers, The whole, the boundless continent is yours ! " { The Second Party. 23 i FROM A CANADIAN STAND POINT. Haviii;^' referred so fully to the coiisideratioiis of a imion with Canada from a United States point of view, Mr. VViraan then proceeded to discuss it from the Cana- dian ijoint of view. lie said: So far as the nuiterial advantage to Canada is concerned, no event could occur at the present moment whicli would be more highly ad- / vantageous to that country than its political alliance witli/' the United States. If the measure of development pos- sible in the North is that which has been <*reated by the union of commonwealths in the South, no lover of his country could desire a more glorious result in the shape of material advancement. Before the Senate Committee on Canadian Relations the speaker said he had been asked to estimate the increase in the value of Canada as a realiz- able and profitable asset, if she were part and parcel of more than she is to day. Asked if he did not mean one hundred per cent., his reply was that he meant, not one hundred per cent, but worth one hundred fold in value greater to the w^orld than she has hitherto been. So far as material advancement was concerned, the speaker's estimate ofwhat would be the result of an equal develop- ment in Canada was as large as it could w^ell be, if placed on an equal footing with the people of the United States. Therefore he could not be said to be an opponent of annex- ation, so far as material advantages were concerned. But his own position in the matter was of no imi)ortance whatever,comparable with the tremendous issues involved in the attempt to make one nation pervade this continent. No man can live in the United States and apprehend the American Union. His reply was that Canada would be under such a condition worth one hundred fold y ■-as?' mamM 24 Union of United States and Canada, \y the greatness of the country, the niagnitiule of the good to mankind that is here being carried forward, and be enamored of its people, without desiring to be a i)art and parcel of so great and glorious an aggregation of human- ity. But it might be that even for the sake of the people of the United States themselves, and for the sake of the future of this great nation, that the line of demarcation running across the continent should continue, and that two nations instead of one rOiould (»pcui>y it. The exi)eri- ment of self-government which had been going forward here hnd revealed not a few weaknesses, and the exper- ience of other countries, and under different conditions, had been found to be highly advantageous to the United States. This is shown even in the instrumentality used in performing the highest and noblest duty of the American citizen, viz., that of casting the ballot, and the incident that in order to do so effectually, fairly and safely, a system known as the Australian system, developed in a British Colony, had to be availed of. The Canadian \ banking system is now warmly ccmimended bj^ the I best American bankers as the best adapted to this 1 country. If it is a fact that the experiences in other nationalities are advantageous to the United States, would it not be possible that in Canada, under conditions so similar, with a people resembling this nation to such an extent, starting in a different way, that benefits of a separate existence should follow ? Especially if Canada • became independent, as she und(mbtedly will in time, and should she assume a republican form of government, as she must, she would work out improvements and amend- ments highly advantageous to this country. Taking the best that has been here produced, and avoiding much that might be eliminated with au\^antage, a new republic ^ Advantages of the Canadian. 25 on the North, should it materialize, would be highly advantageous to the old Kepublic of the South in its governmental experiments. Even to-day the Canadian form of government is one of the best in the world. ^ Avoiding an elective judiciary,her Justices are far removed from the turmoils of party, and the ermine of her bench is as spotless as the snow, while the decisions of her courts challenge the respect of the world. It is true that in her politics Canada has, in common with other countries, an experience of boodleism recently developed, which is unfortunate, and follows closely that at one time devel- oped here. But, with it all, Canada has yet to encounter the system prevalent in the United States of the govern- - — ment of the Boss, and by the Boss, and for the Boss. There are many other advantages the development of which this country could atford to let Canada i)romote. WHV CANADIAN SENTIMENT IS HOSTILE. So far as the sentiment of the Canadian people is con- cerned, it has been alleged that it is liostile to the United States. This is hardly fair, to designate a prejudice as hostility. It is a difti(;ult matter to account for the preju- dice, ignorance, and political hypocrisy which prevails throughout Canada in respect to this country. It must be borne in mind that not a few of the sami)les of the people of the tlnited States which have reached Canada are those who left that country for their country's good. With noble exceptions, who have achieved success, and are deserving of the highest^ respect, the American who has abandoned the opportunities of this country, and con- tented himself with the chances in Canada, has not done much to commend the nation to the Canadian peo- ple. Further^ it must always be remembered that the J 26 Union of United States and Canada. origin of a huge portion of the best citizens of Canada is that which sprang from the repudiation of republican principles. It must never be forgotten that the present stock of Canadians sprang first from that band of United Enipn^e Loyalists that deliberately left the United States at the time of the Eevohition. Sacrificing their firesides, their fortunes, and their future, they removed from this country to the wilds of Canada on the score of loyalty to the British Crown. The world has never yet afforded a proper estimate to the sturdy loyalty, to the strength of resolve, and to the high principle which actuated these men. They sacrificed enormously; they assumed tre- mendous risks, and they secured slender rewards for ad- hesion to the monarchical form of government and the love for British connection. Surprise may now well be expressed at this sacrifice. Some may even smile at the folly and the apparent senselessness of such a withdrawal from the grand chances opened in this country. But the fact remains that it is from a race capable of such sacri- fices that a large body of the Canadians have sprung. Viewing the American Bevolution as rebellion in the highest degree, their children have since been brought up in the nurture and admonition of loyalty, and the belief that the American republic meant a lifelong treason to a right that they had been taught was the Divine Eight of Kings. Was it any wonder that in England and in Canada, when the Civil War broke out there should be a sentiment prevailing that that rebellion was but the result of a previous rebellion ? Was it any wonder that when men ignorant of what had occurred here in the shape of good to mankind, felt that, as it was said by the Man- chester man, ^' If the devil don't get the North and South there was no use in t .Mng a devil!" It is difficult Loyalty a Great Factor. 27 A for the American to put Mmself in the position of an English loyaiist,and still more dilfieult for the Canadian of the same faith, whose distance from the source of loyalty lends enchantment to the view. It has been said that in Winnipeg, the newest of Canadian cities, there was^ more loyalty to the square inch than there was in Lon- don. The existence of tliis sentiment of loyalty on tlie one hand, and prejudice against tlie United States on the other, is an enormous factor in considering a possible union between the two countries, either commercial or political. It is a sentiment of api)arent ignorance, a pre- judice utterly inexcusable and unjustihable. But the sentiment of loyalty and prejudice still exists, and it will only be by contact with the American peopl« and by an enlarged view of their good and generous qualities that it can be mitigated and removed. THE DISCONTENT OF CANADA. So far as Canada is concerned, her material advantage would be enormous if a Political Union were achieved. But those who understand the real sentiment of the vast majority of the Canadian people, see no immediate i)ros- pect of such a consummation. It is true, there is a growth of the sentiment in behalf of a political relation with thi country. This arises from the convicti v: 'A wm. m 28 Unioyi of United States and Canada. in i)olitical union, the assured future which it would open uj) for the young men of the country now leaving it in droves, and above all, the freedom from future compli- cations in trade and progress, make Political Union to some the most attractive of all possibilities. On the other hand, there are those who are believers in the motto of Horace, that ^' The space of life is too short to permit us to lay plans requiring a long time for their accomplish- ment." These believe that the constitutional means to achieve a Political Union are absent, and that to attempt to force a Political Union bydenying a Commercial Union would be to defeat both for a period of time far beyond the lives of the present generation. The i^resent need of the hour is a better relation. That better relation cannot be got by pressure, or even by the discussion of political alliance. The rank and file of the Canadian people do not want to admit that they are a failure as a self-govern- ing people. They have deliberately chosen their present form of government. Q'he men Avho have come from Great Britain to sui)plement the descendants of the United Empire Loj^alist, or whose children succeed them, delib- erately chose, in preference to the United States, this colonial existence. They may be disappointed in it, and seeking an independence, may desire to work out their own salvation. But these have not yet reached a con- clusion of failure. CANADIAN NATIONAL 8ENTIMENT. Again, tliere is a growth, and a very perceptible and creditable growtli, of a sentiment purely Canadian, a pride in their country, as well they may have pride, and hope for a future, even separate and distinct and isolated from the United States, iv reliance upon their own re- I Revolution^ Conquest, or Purchase. 20 sources, a lunirty fruMidsliii) and ho[)C oflielpfioui (xreat Britain, and, above all, a sturdy independence of charac- ter that even though it calls for sacrifices, they will be readily submitted to, rather than be forced or driven by ^any stress whatever into an alliance which is thus forced upon them, and is repugnant to them. One cannot but commend, and if he is a Canadian, glory in this growth of • national sentiment. The speaker said it was difficult to/* be an advocate of annexation so long as a great numberj//; of young Canadians were imbued with a national feeling|i entirely their own, and with an independence of sj)iri that if left alone would work out for them a destiny jus as good and just as noble as that which had been worked V out in the great liepublic. THE THREE ESSENTIALS PRECEDING POLITICAL UNION. There are only three ways in which a political alliance could be achieved between the two nations of ^N^orth America. These three means are Revolution, Conquest or Purchase. There seems no other way Tn which Canada could be brought within the Union, even in the next century, except one of these three forces were employed, and for anyone of th-^se three there Avas not the slightest iustitication. There can be no revolution in Canada without a political discontent, and political discontent can never exist where there was liberty of the press and a free ballot. It was in the ballot that revolution would find its expression and its remedy. There was no politi- cal discontent in Canada. There may be dissatisfaction, but dissatisfaction was remedial by the exercise of the elective franchise. If Canada were administered by a despotic power — if she had a real cause for a ijolitical change — and if this was the universal sentiment and per- 30 Union of United States and Canada. vaded every Province, such a political revolution as would result ia an application for admission into the United States might result. But no such cause for political dis- content existed, nor was any likely to exist, and from this source no expectation might be indulged for appli- cation to admission into the United States. As to the next mode, that of conquest, it was, of course, not to be thought of. The American people never for an instant dreamed of acquisition of territory by force of war. They had already a sufficient territory to govern satisfactorily, and the problems within it were sufficient to ta:^ the ingenuity of their statesmen. No justification could be found for conquest. It would, of course, imply war with Great Britain, which would be the most disas- trous event that could possibly occur, and this mode of begetting a political union may be at once and for ever dismissed. As to the third, that of purchase, it, too, was not avail- able. Great Britain could not and would not sell a foot of her territory. She would sacrifice everything in the world, except her honor, to maintain intact her empire. If the wish of her i>eople in any part of that empire so expressed it, she would not, it is believed, object strenu- ously to a severance, for it is maintained only by a hearty assent of a vast majority of her subjects. To be moved by any monetary consideration to sacrifice her greatest of colonies is a possibility beyond all imagina- tion. Once, in a moment of banter, Mr. Blaine had asked the speaker what was the extent of the Canadian provin- cial and national and nui..Icipal debt, and being assured that it was about $000,000,000 he asked if Canada could be brought into the Union if all her debts were paid. In other words, if the United States should pay all their i Constitutional Inadequacy. 31 public debts, would tliert* be a dispositiou to enter the Uuion. The speaker had replied, that Mr. Blaine very imperfectly understood the disposition of the Canadian people, if he for an instant imagined any such considera- tion wouhl have the slightest influence. To his credit be it said, Mr. Blaine admitted this to be the case, and it was only in a spirit of banter that the idea had been sug- gested. The United States have added to their territory to a greater extent by purchase than by any other instru- mentality. Yet the close observ^er will be easily con- vinced, by conditions both in Canada and England, that this mode of acquisition for the balance of the continent is simply out of the question. It will therefore be seen that neither by revolution, by conquest, nor by purchase, is the absorption of Canada by the United States a pos- sibility at i)resent. THE ABSENCE OF CONSTITUTIONAL MEANS. The conditions that prevail in Canada are all antago- nistic to a i>ractical adaptation of the annexation idea. There are no constitutional means by which, within half a century, so great a country could denude itself of its semi-independence, and become incorporated into that of another. For instance, to come down to practical details, it would require an Act of Parliament, confirmed by the Senate of the Dominion, which would take the shape of an Address to Her Majesty, asking that the country be freed from its allegiance. Each Province w^ould require to take on a Statehood and become part and parcel of the American Union. Now, to imagine a Parliament, elected with this in view, is to imagine a change so vital, so sweeping, and almost so incomprehensible, in the mind of the Canadian people, as to place it almost beyond the =^m 32 Union of United States and Canada. poiut of possibility. For to inlvocjito aiuiexatiou for years to come would be tbc ruin of any politician, tbe ruin of any uarty. If it is found to-day i)0ssible to elect a pound-keeper, or even a constable, known to favor annexation, in lialf a dozen constituencies, there might be some hope that there would be in time a change in sentiment. But any political party, or any combination, who might form the nucleus of a party, even any candi- date for Parliamentary honors, who adopted the annex- ation cause as the ground vif conlideuce, could not just now summon a corporal's guard to his support. The speaker said that the American press were grossly deceived by the slight indications that here and there were afforded of a change in public sentiment. It was true that there was a growth of this sentiment, but it was not sufficiently rapid, or marked, an indication of a change vital enough to bring about any practical result in fifty years. It was almost painful to observe the avidity with which the newspapers in the United States snatched at every little item favoring annexation. The indications np to this time of a growth in that sentiment were extremely slight and unreliable, and it is almost a crime to deceive the public that it is otherwise, if that deception is made the basis of denying or delaying a reciprocal relation of enormous advantage to both countries. Supposing that the annexation sentunent did grow, so that at every five years, at the general election, a half a dozen members of Parliament were elected, it would take half a century to '.ring about a result at all justi- fiable to the United States, to entertain the expectation of a Political Union. For it must be understood that in order to effect a perfect change in the political complexion I Remoieneas of Annexation, 3'» or le to (»r ht of the country aiul to alter entirely its allegiance frrmi one government to another, a substantial uiiiforniity of sentiment must prevail. A bare majority in favor of changing any form of government would not suflfice. The people of the LTnited States would repudiate a half- he.arted consent, and of all things Avould abhor the. idea of forcing even a respectable minority into an alliance with them. TJiere is no desire on the part of the United St^ites to have on the Xorth a Poland or a Hungary. Ui^less there is a hearty and almost uu'inimoiis desire on the part of the Canadian people to take i)art and lot in their future, there is no disposition on this side of the border to adopt them. To contemplate a Parliament sufficiently untinimous to ask Her Majesty for leave to sever the connection that is prized beyond that of almost an^^ other blessing, to expect a Senate which is appointed for life to deliberately and collectively extinguish itself, would be to expect something that it seems next to im- possible will happen in our day and generation. When it is recalled how strongly intrenched is the Koman Catholic Church in her guarantees from Great Britain, and the danger that the French priests would feel, even if a majority of votes in their own Province should pre- vail against them in a changed relation ; when one recalls, on the other hand, the vehement protestations of loyalty by the Orangemen to British connection — how difficult does it seem that a change in sentiment is likely to pre- vail, sufficiently strong to effect a i)olitical revolution so violently opposed to the existing conditions. American editors, and even intelligent American observers, are con- stantly misled from the want of accurate knowledge as to the strength of the desire for British connection. How could it be otherwise than that there should be a 34 Union of United States and Canada. I I'M \ deep and lasting affection between the motlier and the daughter, so long as the mother treats the daughter as she has hitherto done ? The influence of the American Revolution was to chang«; the policy of Great Britain towards her colonies. (Jannda has been as free, her in- stitutions as ebistic, her political autonomy as perfect as if she were an independent country. Not a dollar of Imperial revenue reaches Canada; not a dollar of Cana- dian revenue reaches the Imperial treasury. Canada taxes British goods the same as she taxes the goods of the United States or any other country. Great Britain admits freely the products of all other countries on pre- cisely the same terms as she admits the products of her colonies. The social relations between Great Britain and Canada are extremely intimate. The commercial and financial ties that bind them together are of the closest character. Thus between $800,000,000 and $900,000,000 of British money is invested in Canada, and the amountj of interest which Canada pays to Great Britain absorbs almost her entire agricultural export. The purchases of her merchants, the credits granted to her traders and manufacturers, and all the thousand and one inter-com- munications between so great an empire and so great a colony, are of a character to make it almost impossible to contemplate a sudden cessation of them, and the transfer to another country. Certainly not unless a condition of preparedness precedes the transfer, and the gradual weaning and changing of relations occur. This can only be brought about by an intimate connection between the United States and Canad. . It will never be brought about by retaliation, by isolation one from the other, or by pressure, or by the withholding of the natural results of a geographical connection, such as should produce a I Canada Tcmj^tcd, 35 or close contact one with the other. If by Unrestricted Raciprocity a mutuality of interests can be created so that the two nations may come to understand ea<^h other, and secure all the advantages that would How from a I)olitical connection, in time even this mij»lit be brought .about. As to that, the future must take care of itself. It may be that a trade connection would ])ostpone an- nexation. There are some who hoi)e it may, because of the reasons before referred to. There are others who consider that the best way to inxxrure a political alliance is to jjrecede it with a commercial intimacy, so that it will be only one step further, by the glad consent of all parties, in order to make the continent one and undi- visible. DILE?JMA OF GREAT BRITAIN. There are circumstaiices however which might change completely the sentiment in Canada regarding British connection. These circumstances might be 'shai)ed and moulded by the United States to a degree that is now little imagined. If, for instance, through its Congress the United States should tender to the people of Canada, a free admission into this great market for all their products and manufactures, in exchange for an equally free admission into Canada of all the products and manu- factures of the United State, a boon would be offered which Canada could not refuse. A Parliament that would refuse it would not be returned a second time. The late election shows that while this question was in the air, and the indention of the United States waj hardly known, the Tory majority was reduced one half. If, for instance, such an offer were definitely made, in the present session of Congress, especially in view of numerous bye-elections i 36 Cnion of United States and Canada, now iinj)eiKlin^-, a majority in Parliament for tlie Libeial ^party would be created, and, the Liberal i)arty once in power, this otter would be accepted. ^ It is an interesting and signiftcaut study to follow what would be the result of such an otter and such an acceptiune, as the result of such a change in the political (;omplexioii ofattairs. Let us consider it. Supposingthat the otter was made by the ( 'ongress of the United States, and acceptcMl by the Parliament of Cfinada, this acceptance would imply the free admission of American manufactures, and equally imply a continuance of the high duty now prevailing iigainst manufactures from other countries, in- cluding Great Britain. While Parliament is ordinarily free to regulate the fiscal affairs of the Dominion, and all its proceedings up to this time have been consented to by the Oovernor General on behalf of the (Jueen, it is hardly likely that so great a measure as discrimination against hritish manufactures would be assented to without refer- ence to the Imperial Government. The question, there- fore, of permitting the greatest British colon}^ tv discrim- inate against British goods, and admit those of a coiiiiiiei'- cial rival free, would be the dilemma in w liich the Imperial Government would find itself. To some loyalists such [i proposition almost equals the desire for commercial free- dom which led to the Aiuerican Kevolution and resulted in the Boston tea party. Because it is so regarded the im- portance of pressing it to an issue seems paramount even by those whose oidy desire is either the indei)enden('e of Canada or its annexation. If the consent of the Imperial /^Government was given, permitting Canada to thus trade / freely Avith the United State.,, ami by discrimination ^ largely diminish trade with Great Britain, the tie that ^]binds the two together would be materially lessened, not Testing the Question Pruvtividhj. \\\ ' only iinmediately, but as time woro on. If, on the roii-^ / trary, this Imperial consent to trade with wliom slie chose was denied to Canances of more far reacliin^- character than on tliese, should it hnd favor with that august bodj'. Some expectation is indulged in that by negotia- tion between the existing Canadian Tory government and the T'nited States, a treaty of reciju'ocity may be reached. It is believed by some that by dii)lomatic action between Great Britain on the one hand, and the United States on the other, a better relation with Canada can be created. There is not much hope, however, in diplo- macy, which, so far as Canada is concerned, must originate with (Ireat i^i'itain. It may be assumed that the latter country will not advise any discrimination against her own manufactures, and Avithout a uniform tariff and a free admission of American goods, there is no hope of a reciprocity between Lhe two countries. On the other hand, where diplomacy fails because it commences at the top, concurrent legislation will succeed, because it starts at the bottom, and emanates directly from the p(H)ple. Action by the Congress of the United States, concurred in by the Parliament of Canada, is the only mode by which a permanent and satisfactory basis can be reached for an unrestricted relation between the two countries. HOW GREAT BRITAIN IS AFFECTED. This allusion to the attitude '*f Great Britain brings to mind the fact, that this Great Empire is the third party to a consideration of the relations existing l>etween the two English si)eaking peoples on this continent. When Unwillingness of Great Britnin. 39 Americaus speak of annexing Canada, tliey very rarely consider the effect on Great Britain of sucli an event. It is seldom realized to Avhat an extent this vast empire consists of ontlying dependencies and colonies, and how important it is that these shonld remain intact. There- tore, to consider that Great Britain would willingly, or with any complacency, view a transfer of an area that comprises forty i^er cent, of her Empire ; if that transfer is to be made to a llepublic, against whose independence she struggled so vigle reward for industry, inventive skill and energetic eftbrt, are all possible by the creation of a universal reciprocity on this continent, which will give the best and noblest illustration that has ever yet been aftbrded of the motto that '' Peace hath her victories, no less renowned than War." I '^K--