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Date: 1865-07-20
By: Ottawa Union
Citation: “Prospects”, The Ottawa Union (20 July, 1865)
Other formats: TBA

Prospects.

The Globe thus appeals to the country : « Let the Constitutional question be fully settled, the whole question of the currency carefully considered, the canals enlarged, the Custom Tariff revised, a practical route opened up into the great Western Territories, and a vigorous effort be made to turn the tide of emigration to our shores—and a new order of progress and prosperity will set in over our country. »

Pray, how and when is the Constitutional question to be settled? We presume Ministers must await the conversion of the maratime Provinces to confederation, before the Constitutional question can be touched. Is it not probable that years may elapse before this is brought about? The Imperial Government will not attempt to coerce the lower Provinces, notwithstanding the improper efforts of the Canadian delegates in that direction. If Confederation is brought about, it must be by discussion and negotiation, involving new concessions and new overtures. The attempt of the present Ministry is notoriously a great failure. New features and a new programme will not even be accepted by Canada before the people are consulted. We are, in fact, only upon the threshold of the Constitutional question.

If these constitutional changes are to be brought about before we enlarge our canals, revise our tariff, open up a new route to the great West, or turn the tide of emigration hitherward, it is not at all likely any of these desirable schemes will be taken up during the approaching session. The country will be amused with pleasant narratives by the delegation—members will be set to squabble over matters of small importance—they will earn their six hundred dollars and go home rejoicing, quite content with the promise that confederation will be taken up in due time : that nothing of importance can be done till that is secured, and that once secured, all things else will follow. In the meantime the corrupt and incapable Coalition will fatten at the public crib, and the new order of progress and prosperity will be deferred till the country is aroused and honester and more capable men be called in to take their places.