“That’s no answer to my question,” replied the ironmonger; “a man may be a British subject, and still for all purposes in this country a naturalized American. I am a citizen of both countries. I hold real estate in Nova Scotia and in the United States.”
“Then you do not hold it according to law.”
“Pshaw!” ejaculated the ironmonger, “who cares for that? Millions of acres of land in this country belong to foreigners.”
“But you cannot be a bonâ fide holder of real estate in the United States without being a citizen, and you cannot become a citizen without renouncing all allegiance to foreign countries. You must have perjured yourself with regard to England or America.”
“Poh! poh! Talk of perjury in such matters! It’s a sort of custom-house oath which binds a person no farther than his word. I would not be such a fool as to give up my rights as a British subject. Times may change;—would you have me put all my eggs into one basket?”
“A nice creed this!” cried the manufacturer; “and such are the men that govern our elections! And you vote just like the rest of us?”
“And why should I not?”
“Pray, don’t quarrel,” said the same mediator that had before reconciled the manufacturer with our host; “he, too, votes on your side. Why do you scrutinize his motives if his acts coincide with your own? England and the United States! I say,—their interests are one and the same; may they never be divided by party spirit!”
This toast was drunk with all the honours; after which the gentleman of the house rose, and made, as far as I can recollect, the following speech:—
“Gentlemen,