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6
BRIEF REMARKS -
Oir THIS
PROJECTED RE-UNIfTN
OF
LOWER AND UPPER-CANADA.
Br W. W. SLEIGH, Esauim;,
^C. ^Ct tfC.
CONSULTO NOBIS OPUS EST.
• t
BIONTREAL:
\
4>R1NTED BY JAMES lANK, FOR THB AUTHOR.
18S0.
— 1. ■ilLMfi -- wn r^Tf — — ■-- "■' ■■— •• ■ -•■•'* •.- ■
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A french Cojpff ia in ContempUHtn,
c\
JPBEFACE.
It may be thought somewhat rash in the
Author of the following remarks (who, having
resided in this Country but a short time, may
be deemed not sufficiently acquainted with its
interests,) to interfere in the discussion of the
political concerns of these Provinces. It is true
that it is not many years since he left Great Bri-
tain ; but, it is equally so, that one individual
may live in a Country twenty years, and, from
indifference or inattention, know less of its si-
tuation and resources, than anothe" who, resi-
ding in it but one fourth of the time, has con-
templated them with a 'wish for its prosperity.
He has always endeavoured, to the best of his
moderate ability, to serve his fellow subjects,
either by calling their attention to facts not
T'
/
/
generally observed, or by -'removing obstacles
to their happiness : conformably to which, he
now humbly submits to their consideration a
few observations on a subject of no small im-
portance ; not doubting that it will be discus-
sed in a more minute and masterly manner, by
some, whom local knowledge, abilities, and
leisure from professional avocations^ render far
more competent
/
BRIEF REMARKS
ON TRE
PROJECTED RE-UNION, &c.
At the present day men are too prone, in
the consideration of National or Political topics,
to prefer their own private interest to the gener-
al good and thus, biassed by the most de-
ceitful and prepossessing of all motives, approve
or disapprove of a proposal, according as its ef-
fects appear more or less to promote or impede
their welfare; perhaps, altogether forgetful or
careless of the vast advantage that might result
to their immediate posterity ,
There is aiiother principle by which we are
perpetually swayed, if not in a greater degree
to the former, at least equally so ; and that is, pre-
judice, or an irresistible attachment (from a natural
weakness, common to all Nations,) to former or
6
pristine peculiariiies.''~-^T\}\8 has ever, in all ages
of the World, been the greatest barrier to discove-
ries and improvements in science or art j and had
not some suffered this principle to be subdued and
eradicated by their good sense and judgment,
how ignorant would we now be of some of the
most important inventions ; and deprived of ma-
ny and considerable advantages which we now
enjoy, and are the direct effects of that prejudice
having been conquered ; e. g. Legislation, Navi-
gation, Agriculture, Chemistry, &c. &c. &c.
We should not, in this epoch of science, know-
ledge and liberality, so far degenerate from the
disinterested and noble conduct of our * prede-
cessors, who, when general good called upon
them, cheerfully, willingly and decidedly sacri-
ficed their private interest to the public advan-
tage : when they departed from this line of con-
duct, anarchy, confusion, and discord were the
effects, and these quickly terminated in the de-
struction of the empire.
Now, to take into consideration that subject
which more immediately concerns ourselves ; we
should, if we value our real interest, that of our
posterity, and the good of our fellow subjects in
Canada, suffer our judgment to subdue our natu-
ral prejudices (being conscious of the evil and
ignorance that would noxv necessarily exist, only
'y'X
^'- Particularly the Komanr
'?
for a renunciation of peculiarities on, ceteris pari-
bus, similar occasions ; and, like true Romans,
8acri6ce • all if it were necessary, pro bono pub-
lico.
The topic now proposed for discussion, is
the re*union of the Legislatures of Lower and
Upper Canada; how far the accomplishment
of this object would prove beneficial or the con-
trary to ourselves, our posterity, or the inhabi*
tants of these Provinces, is for us to examine.
Unanimity of sentiment, a common interest,
one cause to maintain, have always been consi-
dered as the strongest and most substantial ties
by which Provinces are kept united the most
certain methods of increasing their wealth and
mutual happiness ; and dnally rendering them an
impenetrable bulwark to the encroachments of an
enemy. While the Canadas possess separate
Governments, they are more or less deprived of
the preceding advantages are more or less
alienated from each other and are exposed
to the evils and prejudicial consequences which
invariably proceed from the disjunction dineigh-
bouring States, Provinces &c. The short period
which has eUipsed since their division, sufficiently
proves the baneful effects of it. They are gra-
dually assuming the character of two distinct
nations. The Upper Province is, in fact, dai-
* In this itistancn the woni " swr/j'Jct" ij inapplicable, as we ore not
called upon to sacrr/icc any thini;.
\y approximating to the mannem, customs, &c.
of their neighbours (the United States) ; and who
Avill deny but more or less of the poison of repub*
licanism is imperceptibly insinuating itself into
the minds of numbers of the community.
We are not ignorant of the direful effects of a
Republican Government ; and the cry of Liber-
ty, under such circumstances, is the direct road
to imposition, tyranny, and slavery !
Suppose these Provinces to exist some time
longer in their present situation ; and the effects
before related gradually to increase suppose
further, that at any future period the Upper Pro-
vince siiould be subdued (which God forbid,) in-
consequence of the perpetual influx of Americans,
as is now the case ; assisting their countrymen, and
considerably promoted by the present alienated
state of the Provinces — —why then, a complete
inroad is opened upon us, and we either fall a
sacrifice to our enemies, previous to receiving as-
sistance from home, (in which case we exchange
real and substantial liberty for the name, the
shadow of it ! ! ) or at least we should be deprived
of the greater part of our trade ; for the grand
commercial source is cut off, and lumber, furs,
&c. &c. are conveyed, for exportation, through
the United States : in what a lamentable state
would traffic then be, in this Province j* we shouK
( '1
*fl
* It if aliniFt nupfinuouf! to rrninik that wlipn the commppce of
r cMiiitry it luiiuil, every ulber uccutiution proporltonably stuffei?.
find those who now oppose the Union, the fore-
most to petition (if it were possible) for it ! While
therefore an opportunity presents itself of guard<
ing against those evils, let us emtirace it — —for
recollect, a consciousness of our error under those
circumstances, would not in the least avail ; and
beggary, to those who depend on commerce for
their subsistence, would be the inevitable conse-
quence ! !
There is but one class of individuals here that
have any plausible reason for objecting to the pro-
posed Union ; T mean the Canadians of French
extraction ; and I am persuaded much of this op*
position arises from the measures of, and the ad-
vantages accruing from, it, not being fully ex-
plained to them. Nothing could convince me
that an objection proceeding from any other
source, i& not the pure result of self-interest, re-
n^ffr(//^55 of the common good.
I say the Canadians have a plausi9lc reason for
objecting to it, for I am convinced, from what I
known of their general character, that they pos-
sess a mind too noble to be swayed by false argu-
ments, much less by private interest.
I shall therefore examine all the argumerits
that I am acquainted with, which they adduce
against the Union ; and I am inclined to believe
that they are referable to the cause I have advanc-
ed in my preliminary observations, viz. prejudice^
or an irrcshllblc citiwhmcnt,J}om a natural iLca^
10
I ■■ -^
p. I
fiess (common to all Nations) to former^ or priSf
tine peculiarities,**
The principal, and indeed the fundamental, ob-
jection assigned by the Canadians, is that ** if the
Provinces were united, they would loose their ma-
jority in Parliament" $ all the other objections
which are advanced seem to depend upon thi s ■ '
it really appears to be the foundation-r— if I can
overturn it, all minor considerations— —all the
supposed evil consequences, will at the same time
be removed — so my enlarging on the subject will
be rendered unnecessary.
I candidly acknowledge that the cry " We are
going to loose our rights, our privileges, our in-
terest in Parliami^nt &c. &c. which is circulated
at the present day, suddenly impresses the mind of
the vulgar and unwary, with the apprehension of
some great deprivation, and is highly calculated
to diffuse a dread that they are in danger of be-
ing encroached upon by the English t but the man
who, with an enlightened understanding, will
use a moment's reflection, and impartially consi-
der the proposition, cannot possibly apprehend
such consequences.
I would simply ask, what are the Canadians in
danger of losing ? What advantage does the
British Government anticipate from depriving
the Canadians (a people it really loves and res-
pects) of any of their privileges ? None at all,
quite the contrary : if any trifling alteration
^f
':!
1
?
ili
11
pnSf
should be made in any of their customs, will it not
be for their advantage ? is it at all probable that it
will propose any thing here, the good effects of
which have not been proved by experience in
Enaland, France &c. &c. ? certainly not.
The respect which the Government at home
entertains towards the Canadians, has been pro-
ved on many occasions, but in no instance has it
been so conspicuous as in the last session of
Parliament— When the bill for.the union was
proposed, although they all were Jull^ perstcaded
oj xCs utility, yet they would not pass it thai ses-
s'on, lest any possible objection might be made
to it by the Canadians : it is almost an unprece-
dented circumstance that the parliament should
perfectly concur as to the utilily of a measure, and
not adopt it, lest any might not like it : nothing
could indicate so peculiarly the respect paid to
the Canadians as this occurrence.
But let us lay aside prejudice, and ask, is there
the smallest probability that the Government of
England intends or wishes to deprive tiie Cana-
dians of any of their rights, as their Religion,
Laws, &:c. &c. most unquestionably not : ihcy
did not act so, when they might with impunity,
and, without the least deviation from the law
of Nations. Certainly it is not likely
?/otc', when they are daily granting more and
more privileges to the Catholics of Ireland
Thus then all this alarm which has been raised
r
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[£'#'
1 1:
m
ill
against the proposed Union, if fairly considered,
>vill evidently prove to proceed from the appre-
hension of evils which could not possibly arise
from it.
Further, I would ask, is there a nation on the
face of the earth, which enjoys equal privileges
with the people of Cs^nada ? not one ; is not Ca-
nada allowed to enjoy all the blessed advantages cf
the British Constitution, at the same time exempt-
ed from all taxes and burdens, by which that
Constitution is supported ? Who has given them
these laws ? Britain Who has given them this
Constitution ? Britain : to whdm could we look
tomorrow for assistance if circumstances required
it ? to Britain She has, as far as has been in her
power, hitherto provided every thing for Canada —
She has, by her wise and experienced Legislators,'
granted to us present privileges* And she now
proposes a plan for the furtherance of our happi-
ness; for the more certain protection of our rigiits
and liberties ; and consequently for the common
^ood of all • Shall we therefore oppose and
* Sir .liinies Mnrintn.-'h, on the 2.1t1 nf July luvt, in rpeaking' for the
Chii ilirtiis ill ih- !iii(i>h House of Common!!, )my«r" A reroltitiori hud
betn p>i 8tl ill 1789, tmil transmiltod to the Colony, fur giving n free
roncdtMiion ; (his \va<> x trRnsition from »o/u/f iiuiiinrchy lo/rddom."
* 1.1 it liciiiicif H f»!W who, ffuin fiil«e pride, or the VHgue fnar of iiiiio-
vHtii.n, tlifuil the jen^t tilieration in their nnci)>iit liahit?, object tn ) on the public; roaiN, iiol\vith«taiuiiii^ tluy hii>
evKontial to the fEootl repair of them, to he dixpeniieil with, hrtaiiiie truly
they hiive not been iiitroiluced into Cunada till lHt<-ly i' t-hall \vi- he iii-
c uiiiiMiil.'il and have our roadti in winter rendered iinpasiiable by (be pre-
Miit coMhtiiitliiiii of (lie Conadian Traiiieaitx, becaii.se tlit^y weic used
by thf iir^t s)'ttwtwitliindin); a simple alteration
in ilitm woiilil lib* iule evriy iiicuiivtirience, as fHti^fnctoiily proviil in
tlif Ijilii'i I'roviiufc iVt.?
\
is
reject this plan ? do we not know that the interest
of Canada is intimately united to, and blended
with, the interest of Great Britain ?
Shall we not rather submit to the superior
judgment and discretion of her Legislators, hav-
ing by experience tried and confided in them
in more important concerns than this : have they
deceived you ? have they deprived you of any of
your privileges? no — ^no There is no Gov-
ernment whatever, whether Republican or Mo-
narchical, under the protection of which yon
could place yourselves, from which you would
enjoy equal, (nay I will aver asjmany) advanta-
ges as you now do.
Maturely consider these facts-^mistake not the
shadow of evil for its substance ; but adhere
find be guided by, those whom you know by ex-
perience possess not merely, sufficient wisdom^
but an unchangeable inclination to serve the
Canadians.
There is no doubt but more or less opposition
will be advanced against the union, by many,
some of whom, to maintain a disinterestedness of
principle equcri to their acquirements and natural
abilities, should be the foremost to hail with plea-
sure such a project ; as one ))est calculated to for-
ward the true interest and welfare of their Coun-
try.
But in this, as in all similar cases, men will
diflfer } (** tot homines quot sententiae") some
■h
^\(
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v%-
■ ^
11
will never be persuaded till they see the good ef^
fects of the change : while there are others
whose dispositions are so inflexible that nothing,
not even the benefits themselves, will convince
them of their error. y*^
The Union of Scotland and Ireland was effected
against similar, if not greater, opposition than this
proposed Union possibly could be : and although
the good and inestimable effects to the Public at
large from these Unions are notorious ; 3^t many
are even nom to be found who vociferate against
tbem.*
In answer to these remarks it may be observed
that " if once the Canadians give up their inte-
rest in Parliament, they will be completdy
thrown upon the mercy of the Boglish, and' may
be deprived in a moment of all their advantages,
or at least have their views thwarted &c,"— —
this argument contains more apparent than real
reason and good sense for, in the first place,
even in the present state of things, they cannot
have a single view accomplished, or a law made
without the perfect consent and approbation of
Knglishmen thus, previous to a bill passing
into a law, it must receive the Governor's sanc-
tion, which will not be given without the advice
of the Executive Council j and secondly, after
* Not a few fdfi«h merchants ore now to be found in EtDnbargh and
Dublin, wLu cry nluud' agGtni't that change of GuveruD|«nt : because
their ni:iiuul iiicume is AotnewhHt (WminiKhed, in consequence uf llie
change in the xeat of (heir ruiipcctive parliaments ; thus, these Gentle'
men would sacrifice public j^ood to private views.
COl
tI lie
w
15
the Governor's sanction, the King's approbation'
must be obtained^ which will not be granted;
without the advice of His Majesty's Ministers.
llius then the veiy cause assigned for object-
ing to the Union " that of hang in the power of
the Knglisht'^ exists under present circumstances ;
and by experience you well know that no advan-
tage has been taken of it.
Further, the various situations of emolument
under the Crown are, I understand, fairly divi-
ded between Canadians and English; I believe
the majority are filled by the former ; are they
afraid of losing any of these posts ? — «~They can-
not» for it is well known they are not obtained
by their majority in Parliament, but are at the
the disposal and will of the Governor. Hence
the union could not in the least degree inter-
fere with these advantages.
There is no necessity for me at present to en-
ter upon the various minor arguments which have
been adduced against the union ; I have, as I pro-
posed before, attempted to attack the fundament-
al one ; how far I have succeeded I shall not pre-
tend to decide. 1 trust no evil will be impu-
ted to the object of my endeavours ; and, as much
may be said in i'ew words, I shall conclude by
summing up my observations, viz :
First; That men generally (sometimes even un-
consciously) prefer their private interest for pub-
lic good.
M
Id
I i
1%^
T
r. -
if I
Secondly : That people of all Nations adhere
firmly, from natural weakness, to pristine pecu-
liarities ; although some of these are actually of
a pernicious tendency.
Thirdly. Innumerable and momentous ad-
vantages accrue from a unanimity of sentiment
&c. between Provinces.
Fourthly. That many and serious evils to Cfl(-
nadians as well as English may, (and it is highly
probable will) arise from the present condition of
things in Canadst.
Fifthly. That although the Canadians have
a 'plausible reason for objecting to the union,
yet, when fairly examined, none of the evils they
dread could possibly arise from it.
Sixthly. That opposition has always been giv-
en (such is the nature of man) to similar propo-
sals in other Countries, and, notwithslacnding, lait-
ing advantages have been the result.
Seventhly, and lastly. That the identical rea-
son they advance for their opposition to the union,
viz. " being at the will of the English" actually
does under the present state of things exist ; so
that ideas are substituted for realities, words for
true argument; and evil effects dreaded from
causes, that could not in the nature of things
(in an\ other degree than they might at this mo-
ment) produce them.
FINIS.
1/
adhere
I pecu-
ally of
js ad-
timent
toCa(-
highly
tioD of
i htive
union,
s they
n giv-
>ropo-
^ last-
il rea-
inion.
tually
t; so
is for
from
hings
s mo*