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Date: 1865-03-17
By: Perth Courier
Citation: “Confederation”, Perth Courier (17 March, 1865)
Other formats: TBA

CONFEDERATION.

In direct and uncompromising opposition to the scheme of constitutional changes proposed by ministers, this journal stood alone in the Upper Province. So far as the press was concerned, the position was difficult and discouraging. Having, however, satisfied at the outset, that the scheme was a dangerous one for the country; and particularly so for Central Canada, we concluded to struggle earnestly against it at every cost and by every legitimate means.

We have reason therefore to rejoice, that for one reason or other, nearly all the independent leading journals of the country now pronounce against the course of the Government in hurrying the scheme through the Legislature without time for consideration. The Leader, the Hamilton Times, the London Free Press, the Kingston British American, the Brockville Recorder, the Perth Courier, and Montreal Witness have either condemned the action of the Government or against its action on this matter.

Reaction is visible on all sides. Ministers are proroguing Parliament because they see what is coming. If the debate lasted another month the whole scheme would explode.—An excuse is made, indeed, that the New Brunswick elections produce necessity for prorogation; but it is well known that prorogation was foreshadowed a month since. We believe firmly that nearly every member of the Government expected and desired the defeat of the Confederation scheme. They had a certain game to play, i. e., retain their offices and salaries, and by procuring the harmless consent of Canada to the resolutions, and their rejection in the Lower Provinces, it would be possible for ministers to go on for the present. The majority secured by the threat of dissolution have no faith in the Government, and in good time this will be established.

Confederation is at all events, in a bad condition. Repudiated by the people in New Brunswick; it is also repudiated by the Legislature in Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia declines, through its government, to risk its administration upon its success. In all probability, the scheme will be laid out in the cold in Newfoundland.—Ottawa Union.