contended that it is an error to suppose that a
constitutional monarchy, in proportion as it becomes more liberal, tends
towards republicanism; and further, that if such tendency existed it would
be retrograde rather than progressive.

The views of Colonial Government, its objects and its difficulties, which
have been here briefly epitomised, are displayed in full in the following
letters, together with a variety of opinions on kindred topics. They are
given as characteristic of Lord Elgin; but they may, perhaps, have an
interest of their own, as bearing on important questions which still await
solution.

_To the Earl Grey._

November 16,1849.

[Sidenote: Maintenance of British connection.]

Very much, as respects the result of this annexation movement, depends
upon what you do at home. I cannot say what the effect may be if the
British Government and press are lukewarm on the subject. The
annexationists will take heart, but in a tenfold greater degree the
friends of the connection will be discouraged. If it be admitted that
separation _must_ take place, sooner or later, the argument in
favour of a present move seems to be almost irresistible. I am
prepared to contend that with responsible government, fairly worked
out with free-trade, there is no reason why the colonial relation
should not be indefinitely maintained. But look at my present
difficulty, which may be increased beyond calculation, if indiscreet
expressions be made use of during the present crisis. The English
Government thought it necessary, in order to give moral support to
their representative in Ireland, to assert in the most solemn manner
that the Crown never would consent to the severance of the Union;
although, according to the O'Connell doctrine, the allegiance to the
Crown of the Irish was to be unimpaired notwithstanding such
severance. But when I protest against Canadian projects for
dismembering the empire, I am always told 'the most eminent statesmen
in England have over and over again told us, that whenever we chose we
might separate. Why, then, blame us for discussing the subject?'

* * * * *

_To the Earl Grey._

January 14,1850.

[Sidenote: Colonial interests the sport of home parties.]

I am certainly less sanguine than I was as to the probability of
retaining the colonies under free-trade