Annexation of Canada [pp. 397-412]

ANNEXATION OF CANADA.
and bound securely, he was forced to climb after his captors in the best
manner practicable, a thrust from the butt end of a spear serving to restore his equilibrium when in danger of falling backward. Don Lucas,
who showed no sign of life, was dragged roughly along by the arms.
The party crossed the opposite ridge, and immediately entered a chasm
in the side of which a narrow flight of steps had been hewn, and from
this spot the whole plain once more lay open to view; the steps were
frequently exchanged for a steep zig-zag path, and this again would
terminate in a precipitous stone ladder, so there was little monotony in
the route. The last flight of steps was broad and massive, and communicated also with the terrace upon which the prisoners had gazed from
above, and this, as well as the whole space immediately adjacent, was
thronged by an excited populace, who regarded the former with fero.
cious countenances, while their escort forced a passage through their
midst, crossing in front of their late elevated perch among the craigs.
ART. VII.-ANNEXATION OF CANADA.
THE ANNEXATION OF CANADA.-VIEWS OF VARIOUS CANADIAN, AMERI CAN AND ENGLISH JOURNALS.-LITTEL S LIVING AGE, ETC., ETC.
The subject of the annexation of Canada to the UTnited States, is beginning to assume a shape of importance, if we may judge from the discussions which are now going on in the province, the mother country,
and the northern section of this confederacy. Has the South no inter est in the issue, that she seems to be asleep at her post? Whether she
opposes, or is in favor of the annexation of Canada, should not the voice
of her press be heard disseminating light and information upon the subject? Should we not at least inquire into the motives of the parties who
favor this new annexation? The South certainly has an interest at
stake as great as, possibly greater than Canada, the North, or Great Bri tain. Most assuredly, then, she should not wait until public opinion
(even within her own borders) is moulded by the voice of a triply com bined provincial, British, and northern press, whose interests may be an tagonistic to her own. For ourself, it is not our intention in this article,
to either favor or oppose the annexation of Canada. We are displ ed,
however, to contribute our little mite to awaken attention to the i ort ance of the question now being agitated in other sections, in regard to
this subject. It is the duty of a free people to be forever on the alert
with regard to any important political act of the government under which
they live. No act can be more important than the extension of ter ritory.
Does Canada herself desire annexation, is a question which first pre sents itself to our minds. We believe, from the light before us, and
from the tone of the press of both political parties in that province, that
a large majority of her citizens, of whatever political creed, desire it as
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