It is, however, a point gained that England will discuss any part of the question, and it is to be hoped that this decision is final, and that Lord Salisbury may not set to work to recount his fingers, and make the pinkie come to "no" again.
There seems to be a growing desire for independence in Canada.
The French Canadians of the Province of Quebec are urging the people to demand complete independence from England. They have printed and circulated an appeal to the people to rise and demand their liberty.
We told you some time ago about England's idea of federating her colonies.
If this should be done, the mother country would have the right to demand that the colonies should contribute to her wars, and help her, and stand by her on all occasions. The federating of England and her colonies would bind them together in much the same way that our United States are bound together. They would be under one head and one government, but each portion of the empire would take its share of the profits and losses.
It is this which has roused the Canadians of Quebec.
Here is their complaint: "Canada, more securely chained, will be thrown into the defensive and offensive politics of Great Britain. We will be called upon to contribute toward the military and naval forces of that country. We will have to give our money and our blood to defend the interests of the noble lords who scorn us, the London merchants who exploit us, and the deserts of Africa or the plains of India will be our funeral pyres, where many of our people will sleep."
These fears were aroused when, in the latter part of September, it was announced that the Canadian Government was about to make large purchases of guns and cannon for the defence of Montreal.
These Canadians became afraid that they were to be drawn into some war in which they had neither interest nor concern, and they are now anxious to throw off the English yoke, and be free to make peace or war as they will.