Annexation of Canada [pp. 397-412]

ANNEXATION OF CANADA.
probably favor this project in consideration of these two things, would
support the measure were it not for the sake of these causes. It must
be a source of pleasure to every American patriot, under ordinary cir cumstances, to see the flag of his country unfurling its ample folds over
every state that will come under its protection, and securing to its
inhabitants the blessings and advantages of a republican form of govern meat. The greater the number of states united under our confederacy,
the more prosperous probably will be the whole union, and the better will be secured the great national objects of prosperity in peace, and
strength in war. Commerce, manufactures, the mechanic arts, &c., will
flourish in proportion to the number of persons and the amount of capital
and resources employed in them.
Canada is not destitute of resources for commerce and manufactures,
nor of the elements which go to make up a prosperous state. In Upper
Canada the inhabitants possess the advantages of a healthy and salu brious climate and a fertile soil. It yields an abundant and luxuriant
crop of grain, such as wheat, indian corn, &c. Flax is also produced,
and in the South-western districts tobacco may be grown to advantage.
To ship its productions, Upper Canada has the benefit of the St. Law rence, and some other navigable streams, together with the great lakes,
and the canals of Rideau and Welland. The first unites the Ottawa
river with the Kingston, and the second extends from lake Erie to Ontario. They are both navigable for vessels of a hundred and twenty-five
tons. Toronto and Kingston are both flourishing commercial towns, and
have fine harbors continually whitened by the canvass of numerous
water-craft engaged in trade. Although some portions of Lower Canada
are rugged, cold and sterile, others are fertile, well watered, and more
moderate in temperature, and produce the same articles of grain which
the upper province does. Grain, flour, lumber, furs and pot and pearl
ashes are the chief articles of export. Montreal is the commercial emporium of the two Canadas. It is the centre of the fur trade and commerce with the United States. Both provinces have fine manufacturing,
advantages.
We come now to the last important question which suggests itself.
Will Great Britain give her consent to the annexation of Canada to our
confederacy? We believe she will. To suppress the rebellion of 1837
it cost her a larger amount almost than her colonies are worth. She
did not care so much about losing Canada as she was incensed that the
Canadians should have had the audacity to rebel against her authority.
She was peculiarly sensitive on the subject of colonial resistance, in view
of the course of the "old thirteen." If she could have foreseen that
Canada would have caused her the trouble she did in'37, she would
have granted her independence, and said, joy go with her. Now made
wise by past events, though it will be mortifying to England's pride to
see Canada throwing off her yoke, yet in view of the advantages which
will accrue to her from such a course, and especially in view of what it
would cost her to prevent the loss of her province, she will allow it to.
escape her thraldom and become an American state. The Spectator,
of 25th Aug., speaking of the independence of British Colonies, including
Canada, holds this language:
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