"The Arrival Of Governor Dallas At Montreal Some Days Before My Receipt
Of Your Letter Of The 6th July, Enabled
These misconceptions to be
dealt with; and the issue of a circular by the Governor, together with
many personal explanations,
And some firmness on the part of Mr.
Dallas, will, I trust, very soon remove the want of confidence and
dissatisfaction on the part of the staff, which at first looked
threatening. These explanations, of course, took time, and rendered the
Governor's presence in Canada necessary.
"Governor Dallas and myself made various opportunities of meeting
members of the present and of the late Government of Canada, and of
talking over the subject of the North-west, and of its organization and
government; and I feel convinced that these unofficial discussions were
of considerable use, and may help to prevent antagonism and territorial
claims on the part of Canada, which, in my opinion, might be very
embarrassing, and ought to be foreseen and avoided. Possibly the
following article in the Government organ, written by order, and handed
to me by the Honorable W. P. Howland, will best exhibit, without
further troubling you, the friendly spirit of the Canadian Government
before I left for England: -
"(From the Quebec Mercury.)
"'The recent announcements concerning the transfer of the title and
territory of the Hudson's Bay Company to a new corporation have
naturally awakened considerable interest in Canada. So far, however, no
specific intimation of the opinions of the new Company has been given.
It is understood that they will not confine themselves to a mere
following in the footsteps of their predecessors, but that
colonization, telegraphy, the opening up of common roads, and
eventually of railroad communication, enter into the scheme which,
whether as regards the interests at stake or the capital involved, may
be said to be colossal in its character. It is no doubt anticipated by
the new Company that the Canadian Government and people will cheerfully
aid them in an enterprise which evidently concerns us so closely.
Speaking in general terms, we presume that it may be conceded that such
anticipations have been correctly formed. The development of Canadian
territory, or of British territory immediately adjacent to it, could
never be a matter of indifference to the Government or people. Though
young in years, still Canada cannot forego those aspirations regarding
the future which are naturally suggested by the magnificent domain
which, stretches along the northern portion of the Continent. It is for
Canadians to occupy and eventually to govern it, and any means which
point to the furtherance of an object which may be called spontaneous
in the Canadian mind must engender solicitude and evoke encouragement.
"'When Messrs. Howland and Sicotte were in England, they expressed
their opinion that Canada would be willing to aid the "Atlantic and
Pacific Transit Company" in their enterprise of opening up
communication across the Continent through British territory. Upon
their return to this country, the matter was fully discussed, and it
was understood, subsequently, that the Government of that day was
prepared to recommend an appropriation of $50,000 per annum, provided
that the Company gave the necessary assurances of their ability to
commence and carry out the work.
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