transmitted to London, where it was quoted with
approval by Lord John Russell. It may be found, together with other
petitions of the time, in the "Canadian Constitutional Development" of
Messrs. Grant and Egerton. With a few unessential changes and
modifications, the whole document might be signed to-day by a Committee
of Ulster Unionists, and I heartily wish that every Ulsterman would read
it in a spirit of reason and generosity, and observe how every line of
it was falsified by history, before he declares that the situation of
Ulster is peculiar, and sets his hand or gives his adhesion to a
similar document. The signatories, who, it must be remembered, were a
small ruling minority of the colonists, whose power was artificially
sustained by the British Governor, claim that they alone, in glorifying
and in battling for "colonial dependence," are the true Imperialists.
They hold dear the "unity of the Empire." Responsible government within
their own Colony would lead to the "overthrowal" of that Empire, and the
reduction of Britain to a "second-rate Power." A colonial Cabinet is
absurd; the local and sectional interests are too strong; the British
Government must remain as "umpire" to keep the parties from flying at
one another's throats. The majority, who are themselves a prey to
divisions (and one thinks of Nationalist splits), are seeking only for
illegitimate power; the minority are for "justice and protection, and
impartial government." Yet in the same breath we are told that all is
happy and peaceable as it is. Why subject the Colony to the dissensions
of party? Why foster a spirit of undying enmity among a people disposed
to dwell together in harmony? The signatories argue from the history of
Ireland and Scotland, "which never had responsible government, yet
government became impracticable the moment it approached to equal
rights." Hence a Union, because "government must be conducted with a
view to some supreme ruling power, which is not practicable with several
independent Legislatures." Finally, Loyalists and Imperialists as they
are, they are not going to stand an attempt to "force independence" on
them. They will take the matter into their own hands, and, if necessary,
call in the United States to "replace the British influence needlessly
overthrown."

I do not quote this sort of thing in order to add any tinge of
bitterness to present controversies. The signatories lived to see their
errors and to be ashamed