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Date: 1865-10-23
By: Ottawa Union
Citation: “Confederation”, The Ottawa Union (23 October, 1865)
Other formats: TBA

Confederation.

When our Ottawa ministerialists applauded the confederation declarations of Messrs. McDonald and Cartier, it must be admitted that they were sadly wanting in political sagacity. Did they take time to consider that an enormous load will be imposed upon the country, if that flash scheme is carried out? They ought to know if well informed, that three costly Governments in Canada are proposed, and one in each of the Maritime Provinces. They surely did not recollect that the confederation scheme proposes three seats of Government in Canada, one at Quebec, one at Toronto, and one at Ottawa. Did they think of the fact of which surely they are not ignorant that all the official business of Upper Canada will under confederation be transacted at Toronto, and all the official business of Lower Canada at Quebec? In Ottawa we shall have the show of power, without the substantial advantages, and the splendid preparations for the whole business of the country, will in such cases become for the most part a barren waste.

We shall be told perhaps that the convives assembled around the Siamese twins have no mere selfish aspirations. It may be alleged that they are patriots of the purest stripe, and that they are prepared to sacrifice self on the altar of their country. It is but fair to say that in such company and under the genial influence of Gouin’s best brands, patriotism might be expected, but the sober second thought must convince them, if indeed they seek the truth, that whether for the welfare of the whole country or the welfare of their locality, patriotism is on the side of the opponents of confederation.

Confederation or federation can work no good for Canada or for Ottawa. The people of Canada desire neither one nor the other. If difficulties exist, which under the present system cannot be overcome, let us seek within our own country the means of reforming matters. Reform the representation in some reasonable way, and get rid of the cries that arm demagogues at present.

As for the people of Ottawa their course should be a prudent one. The tangible interests of Ottawa should not be bound up with the fortunes of political gamesters. Throwing ourselves without reserve, into the arms of political leaders, who to-morrow may be without a following, is not the course of action dictated by sound common sense. If public opinion does not exist in Ottawa, as has been more that once asserted, the sooner it is manufactured the better.